It’s been one year since NMC opened the Wound Care Center and the need has never been greater.
“The Wound Center was a long-time plan of NMC because of the number of persons living among us with treatable wounds,” said Val Gleason, Vice President for PhysicianServices.
Wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, burns, pressure ulcers (bedsores), spider bites and crush injuries represent some of the reasons people have been referred for care. Left unmanaged, open wounds worsen and often lead to isolation for the patient, who might otherwise be productive at work or at home. Living with a non-healing wound is embarrassing and complicated, particularly if it continues for months or years.
In the last 12 months, the Wound Care Center treated 200 patients, half of whom were already discharged due to healing.
“Wound care is very specialized,” said Joyce Armbrust, APRN, Coordinator for the center. “We are able to provide specialized care outside of the primary physician’s office and keep their doctor informed of their progress. Specialized treatments get people back to work earlier or involved again in family events. For others, it means getting back to doing volunteer work. Quality of life is one of our patients’ goals.”
Plans for expansion are underway. The Wound Care Center will be located on the ground floor of the Newton Surgery Center. “We have referrals from a number of counties in the area,” says Armbrust. “People now have access to wound care close to home.”
Proceeds from the 2011 Harvest Moon Gala in October will help underwrite the expansion of the Wound Care Center.
For more information on making charitable gifts, contact Rachel Newell in the Development Office.