Wounds are painful. And, without proper care, some wounds need specialized treatment to properly heal and avoid unnecessary medical complications.
Cumberland Medical Center has contracted with Wound Care Systems to open the new, state-of-the-art Wound Care Center on Hayes Street.
"The statistics say there are thousands of wounds in this area that could benefit from treatment," said Alex Swire-Clark, with Wound Care Systems. "We want to focus on prevention of wounds, but if a patient has a wound, we can treat it so that people do not have to drive out of town."
People with certain medical conditions, especially diabetes and vascular diseases, are prone to chronic wounds. When a patient comes to the Wound Care Center, they have a consultation with the physician and lab work to determine the wound's ability to heal on its own. The physician will also treat infections with antibiotics and determine the stage of the wound.
The Wound Center will also offer state-of-the-art Söring Ultrasonic Debridement for treatment of wounds.
Swire-Clark said CMC was the only facility in Tennessee offering treatment with the device, which uses a wand to access hard to reach tissue, destroying bacteria and allowing healthy tissue to flourish.
"It's virtually pain free and is very useful for tunneling wounds," Swire-Clark said.
CMC will also be offering hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Long used by divers to treat "the bends," the technology has been used for wound treatment for about 20 years. It helps to treat hypoxia, an insufficient supply of oxygen that prevents the normal healing process.
Patients spend 90 minutes to two hours relaxing in a see-through and atmosphere-controlled environment where they breathe 100 percent oxygen at nearly three times normal atmospheric pressure. This can increase oxygen levels in the bloodstream by as much as 20 times normal. These concentrated oxygen levels kill bacteria, encourage capillary growth and promote cellular activity.
It's used primarily for diabetic wounds in the lower extremities; radionecrosis for patients who have had radiation therapy; venous stasis ulcers, extra fluid that builds up in the body; and decubitious ulcers, or bed sores.
Treatment is usually given five days a week for 30 to 35 days, depending on the condition.
All of the linens used in the chamber and the scrubs worn by the patient must be made of 100 percent cotton and were made specifically for the center. Also, there are special laundering protocols in place for those linens.
The facility will also have all electronic records to allow for better coordination of care between the center and the primary physician.
"We'll be able to send pictures of the wound and complete records on at least a weekly basis to the primary care physician and let them know how the treatment is going," Swire-Clark said.
Dr. Chris Bell will be the medical director of the center, with Coe Wilson, RN, acting as program director. Sue Tatara will be the office manager and Shelia Blaylock will be the nurse practitioner.
To make an appointment, call 787-1620 or consult your physician.
Area News
Related Photos
-
Heather Mullinix
CMC opens Wound Care Center
- Area News
-
-
CCHS names Top Ten for Class of 2012
Abigayle Marie Claflin has earned the top spot in the Cumberland County High School Class of 2012, followed by Taylor Nicole Vaden as the class salutatorian.
-
Health reform law saves $2.1 billion for 3.6 million Americans with Medicare
Nearly 3.6 million people with Medicare saved $2.1 billion on their prescription drugs in 2011 thanks to the Affordable Care Act according to data issued today by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Savings for people with Medicare will increase over time.
-
BOE ready to present vision to community
After months of work, the Cumberland County Board of Education approved a revised mission statement, belief statements and vision statements in January and is ready to start presenting the document to the community.
-
Suspect in road rage incident sought
Crossville Police have a getaway vehicle description, a possible tag number and even a suspect's name, but so far have not been able to apprehend the man wanted in connection with a road rage incident that occurred last Tuesday.
-
Water off at Renegade in spite of court order
In spite of a Chancery Court order, at least 84 condominium units and two homes on Renegade Mountain remained without water Monday after the water supply was turned off last Wednesday night.
-
Man facing 20 charges sentenced to seven years
A Cumberland County man who went on a crime spree of burglaries and thefts — racking up 20 charges in the process — entered guilty pleas to several charges in Criminal Court and received a total of seven years in prison.
- Looking Back
-
Schools say thanks to principals Feb. 10
Cumberland County Schools will recognize principals and administrative staff Feb. 10 following a resolution of appreciation by the Cumberland County Board of Education.
-
Phoenix School to get classroom, shop area
The former maintenance facility at the Phoenix School will become a classroom and shop facility for an expanded Career and Technical Education program at the alternative school.
-
Moving dirt
- More Area News Headlines
-
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
