Healing the Wounds of Life
Some wounds don’t heal properly and require specialized care. For
most people, wound healing is a natural, uneventful process. For some
individuals, however, it becomes a complex medical problem requiring specialized
treatment and care. There are many reasons why a wound will not heal and
it takes a specially-trained care team to assess a non-healing wound and
develop the right plan for treatment. Problem wounds are common among
diabetics and individuals with a range of other medical conditions that
interfere with the body’s natural healing process.
The professional medical team in the Bangasser Wound Care Center at Redlands
Community Hospital provides a full range of services for effective wound
treatment and management of associated medical conditions.
An extensive program of care involves the complete assessment of the wound,
treatment, redressing of wounds, evaluation of treatment effectiveness
and the option of advanced therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
An Outpatient Service
Wound care therapy at Redlands Community Hospital is performed on an outpatient
basis under the supervision of James Dexter, M.D., Medical Director of
the Bangasser Wound Care Center. An interdisciplinary team of medical
staff provide an innovative blend of new technologies with traditional
treatments to enhance wound healing. This structural approach to wound
care enables the medical team to determine root causes of resistance to
healing and to achieve results through an individualized patient care
plan. Patients are evaluated to determine any underlying conditions, such
as diabetes, poor circulation, or lifestyle habits that might inhibit
the natural healing process.
Tender Loving Care
Our Wound Care staff are committed to providing patients optimal care
with dignity and respect. Every consideration is given to accommodate
a patient’s physical and emotional needs as an integral part of
the healing process. Wellness and prevention education is an essential
part of the wound care plan.
Factors Affecting Healing
Wound healing can be slowed or halted due to a variety of factors, including
infections, nutritional deficiencies, physical disabilities, a suppressed
immune system, diabetes, chemotherapy or radiation. Insufficient oxygen
and nutrients, and not enough removal of wastes from the body adversely
affect the healing of wounds. Inadequate blood supply is one of the most
significant factors and often occurs in diabetes and in various venous
and arterial conditions. Wounds in the lower extremities (feet) are especially
at risk for diabetics, and if not treated correctly, may eventually result
in amputation.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Hyperbaric (high pressure) oxygen therapy is administered to patients in
specially designed hyperbaric oxygen chambers. Breathing pure oxygen increases
the level of oxygen in the bloodstream and promotes wound healing by stimulating
new vascular growth and facilitating the normal wound healing process.
HBOT is used only when the physician determines it would be beneficial.
A network of other specialists offer physical therapy, respiratory therapy,
radiology, dietary care, infection control, vascular surgery, orthopedic
care, laboratory tests and more. If you know of someone who might benefit
from Wound Care Therapy, please pass this information on. Don’t
wait until it’s too late, call.
It doesn't take a miracle, it takes advanced medicine and a team of
wound care experts. People suffering from chronic wounds and infections
have access to a comprehensive and timely treatment — the key to
complete recovery.
For more information about the Bangasser Wound Care Center, please call
(909) 335-5615.