National Recognition Highlights Advanced Wound Care Available Close to Home

A wound that won't heal can affect far more than physical health. It can limit mobility, increase the risk of infection and make everyday activities more difficult.

That's why Wood County Hospital's Wound Healing Center focuses on helping patients with chronic and complex wounds heal faster and return to the activities they enjoy.

Recently, the Wound Healing Center received two national honors from Healogics, the nation's largest provider of advanced wound care services. The center earned both the Center of Distinction Award and the Robert A. Warriner III, MD, Clinical Excellence Award, placing the program among the top wound care centers in the country.

These awards recognize exceptional healing outcomes, patient satisfaction and clinical performance over a 12-month period. The Clinical Excellence Award is presented to centers that rank in the top 10 percent of eligible Healogics programs nationwide.

"Receiving the National Award for Clinical Excellence is a tremendous honor and reflects the dedication of our entire team," said Geoffery-Lynne Schober, RN, clinical program director of the Wound Healing Center. "Chronic wounds can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. This recognition demonstrates that patients in our community have access to some of the most advanced wound care available."

Many people don't realize that wounds that linger for weeks may require specialized treatment. The Wound Healing Center cares for patients with diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other wounds that have not responded to traditional treatment.

Patients have access to advanced therapies at the center including

• Negative pressure wound therapy

• Total contact casting

• Bioengineered tissues

• Biosynthetic dressings

• Growth factor therapies

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

These treatments are delivered by a dedicated team focused on improving healing outcomes and helping patients avoid complications.

"Clinical excellence in wound care requires seamless collaboration between specialty-trained physicians, nurses and referring providers," said Dr. Kate Gates, DO, medical director of the Wound Healing Center. "Maintaining the healing rates and patient satisfaction standards required for this national recognition reflects the expertise, commitment and teamwork our staff brings to patient care every day."

When a wound isn't healing, expert care can make all the difference.

A physician referral may be provided, but patients can also contact the Wound Healing Center directly at (419) 373-7680 to learn more or schedule an evaluation.