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Wound Care Center Opening at Upstate Carolina Medical Center
Prepared by: Steve Wong Upstate Carolina Medical Center Marketing Phone 864-487-1515
"This is something that has been needed for a very long time in Gaffney," said Sherri Almond, R.N., director of clinical operations. "There are so many people with chronic wounds who are having to travel out of county for treatment. For many of these patients travel itself is a huge problem. We are just so glad and excited to bring this new service to the community." The medical director for the Advanced Healing Wound Center is internal medicine physician Howard Klickman, M.D., who specializes in wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. He is certified in internal medicine, with a subspecialty in geriatric medicine. According to Dr. Klickman, complicated, non-healing wounds can happen to anyone, but they are frequently seen in patients with circulation issues. Due to changes in the nervous system and blood flow to small vessels, people with diabetes are especially at high risk for hard-to-heal wounds. So are people with peripheral vascular disease, kidney failure, or circulation problems, as well as those who are confined to bed for extended periods of time. Some wounds, especially those that are the result of chronic medical conditions, may never heal if the underlying cause is not effectively treated. Even with the best medical care, it can be a slow process. "It can take weeks or months for wounds to heal," Dr. Klickman said. "If we can speed the healing along, patients can have a better quality of life. These patients often need to be seen every week, and it isn’t practical for them to travel a long way to an appointment." With the opening of the wound care center at Upstate Carolina, local general surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, vascular surgeons, wound care specialists, and others will be able to collaborate on treatment plans that involve state-of-the art products and advanced wound care techniques. Bio-engineered skin tissue products, silver-based dressings, and the most advanced compression wraps help to improve the healing process. Members of the wound-care staff will then closely monitor the patients while staying in close communication with the primary care physician. By late summer or early fall, the center is expected to be moved to a larger location located across the street from the hospital, and at that time will begin providing oxygen therapy delivered by hyperbaric chambers. The high oxygen concentrations help wounds heal by stimulating cell growth and increasing blood flow to the wound. "Once we get the hyperbaric chambers open, we will advance to a higher level of care," Almond said. "For now, we can help patients of local physicians heal faster and better through care and management. When we are able to offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy it will be phenomenal." The Upstate Carolina center will operate in conjunction with Medical Multiplex Incorporated, based in Louisville, Kentucky, which is a division of National Healing Corporation. The combined company operates more than 120 clinics nationwide, including programs in Chicago, Dallas, and Indianapolis, and has specialized in wound care for more than 14 years. For an appointment or more information, please call (864) 487-5014.
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