Wound Care

Chronic wounds: a growing problem

It is estimated that 6.7 million people currently live with chronic wounds and that number is expected to grow at more than two percent for the next decade. The rising incidence is fueled by an aging population and increasing rates of diseases and conditions such as diabetes, obesity and the late effects of radiation therapy. Untreated chronic wounds can lead to diminished quality of life and possibly amputation of the affected limb. Chronic wounds represent a cost of more than $50 billion to the healthcare system. There are 30.3 million people (9.4% of population) have diabetes in the United States (US) and almost two million of those people annually will develop a diabetic foot ulcer or other non-healing wound. Advanced wound care aims to prevent amputations and heal patients in a faster and more cost-effective way.

At the Ashley Regional Wound Care Center, we follow treatment protocols specifically established for each type of wound. We utilize the latest approaches to wound healing and remain current in new scientific advances in wound care.

Partnership with the leading wound care management team leads to successful healing

Through a partnership with Healogics, Ashley Regional Medical Center is able to offer a comprehensive center offering specialized wound care. Healogics is the world’s largest wound care management company with hospital partners delivering excellent evidence-based care to patients with chronic wounds. Healogics has been the leader in wound care for nearly 20 years, offering the most advanced modalities. Of special importance to our hospital, Healogics Centers traditionally achieve excellent clinical outcomes, including high limb salvage rates, a 93%¹ healing rate within 28 median days-to-heal, and extremely high patient satisfaction.

A comprehensive team of wound care specialists

The Ashley Regional Wound Care Center is designed to complement your physicians' services and is committed to the treatment of chronic or non-healing wounds. The Center is made up of a team of professionals, including:

• Physicians with advanced training in wound management 
• Nursing staff trained in the care of chronic wounds
• Technicians who perform non-invasive studies and various therapies
• Experienced staff to assist with appointments, medical records, and health insurance processing
• A personalized wound treatment program

What to expect from the first appointment

Patients are mostly referred by their primary care physician, and the program operates by appointment.  Upon referral to a the Wound Care Center, patients undergo a thorough diagnostic examination to identify the type of wound you have and the underlying problems causing the wound. The initial appointment consists of a full assessment to determine the etiology of the wound, the appropriate classification and size of the wound, the overall health status of the patient and the patient’s ability to comply with needed therapies.

Based on the evaluation, a customized treatment plan is developed to optimize the therapies best suited to address the patient’s needs. Wound size and depth are documented at the initial visit, and again at each subsequent visit. Some of the diagnostic modalities which may be used include:

• Laboratory evaluation
• Radiology (including MRI)
• Transcutaneous oxygen testing
• Vascular studies, electrocardiogram
• Ultrasound

After this determination, a program specifically tailored to your needs will be initiated based on the most effective treatment options. An interdisciplinary approach will be used to provide the maximum healing possible.

Specialized wound care is usually administered on an outpatient basis. Patients are free to drive themselves to the Center for therapy, and you should plan two-and-a-half to three hours for each visit. 

What is specialized wound care?

Once a treatment plan has been initiated, you will visit the Center on a regular basis for specialized treatments and documentation of the progress of your healing. You will also be fully instructed on how to do your own wound care at home between visits, as well as how to protect your wound from further injury.  It is very important to remember that you are the most important part of your healing process.  Keeping appointments and following directions are critical to attaining a positive healing outcome. The Center employs the most technologically advanced wound care therapy, including debridement, topical wound therapy, growth-factor therapy, tissue therapy, dressing selection, special shoes, and patient education.  When wounds persist, a specialized and comprehensive approach is required for healing. 

Preparing for your treatments

After an initial consultation and examination at the center, you will receive complete instructions regarding your treatment.

Note: You should refrain from smoking or the use of any tobacco products during the entire course of therapy. Tobacco use will prolong or even prevent healing of a wound site due to its effect on the blood vessels in your body.

If you are sick or on medication

If you have a cold or cough, the flu, sore throat, chills, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, inform the staff at the Center before your treatments begin. Also, alert the staff to any medications you are taking, or changes in medication during the course of your treatment. If you have diabetes, please eat properly and continue to take your prescribed medication to control your blood sugar level. (Note: your blood sugar level will also be checked during each visit to the Center.)