Leading the Way In Wound Care and Hyperbarics

Author

NCH Healthcare System

For more information about the author, click to view their website: NCH Healthcare System

Posted on

Mar 05, 2012

Book/Edition

Florida - Southwest

share-this
Share This
At the NCH Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Centers healing wounds is all we do. We have extensive experience using advanced wound healing therapies. Our healthcare team is trained by nationally recognized wound care experts and all of our doctors and nurses all dedicated to healing chronic wounds. The causes of wounds are complex, and our group represents expertise in all of the major areas necessary to handle your varied circumstances and challenges. Whatever it takes for healing to occur, were equipped and staffed to make it happen.
The NCH Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Centers specialize in the treatment of chronic wounds and non-responsive conditions, offering hospital-based outpatient wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy as well as disease management and diabetes care. The NCH Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Centers offer highly specialized treatments including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, negative pressure wound therapy, bio-engineered skin substitutes, biological and biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies. The staff at the NCH Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Centers is committed to healing patients with chronic wounds by utilizing an evidence based approach to treatment with a variety of advance therapies. In addition to tissue oxygenation, the center also employs the use of vascular studies, tissue culturing and pathology, revascularization, skin grafting and clinical or surgical debridement.
Conditions treated include diabetic wounds of the lower extremities, pressure ulcers, soft tissue radiation injuries, necrotizing infections and compromised skin grafts and flaps.
The NCH Wound Healing Centers treats patients with chronic and advanced conditions which have not responded to previous therapies. After performing a thorough exam of a new patients wound, including taking photographs to track wound healing progress, the centers clinical staff becomes a partner with the patients doctor. Through regular reports and phone calls, the center works with the patients doctors and other experts in the program to develop a total approach to treatment and care. Evidence-based and best practice driven treatments mean patients do not undergo any treatment or progress to a new level of treatment until the need is clearly indicated. Patients may self-refer; in most instances treatments are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance plans without requiring a referral.
Editors Note: This article was submitted by NCH Healthcare System Wound Healing Centers. With several locations to serve you, call 239-495-4995 for more information.

Other Articles You May Like

Ruling Out Infection at Home Saves a Trip to ER

One Sunday morning in early August, Irene woke up with a badly swollen knee. She thought about waiting until Monday to call her Lifespark Nurse Practitioner but was afraid that bacteria from an infected tooth had migrated to her artificial knee joint, something her orthopedic surgeon had warned her about. If left untreated, an infected joint could require additional surgeries, which is why she had taken prophylactic antibiotics before and after a recent dental procedure.The last thing Irene, 74, wanted was another surgery, but based on previous emergency room visits, she dreaded the thought of going to the ER. Youre sitting for hours next to people who are sick with the flu or COVID, when youre already not feeling well yourself, she said. The doctors are regular GPs [general practitioners] so theyd probably just run some tests and send me home with antibiotics, which Im already taking. She was also concerned about the $100 co-pay, adding that she lives in low-income housing and has limited financial resources.Instead, Irene called Urgent Response Services, Lifesparks 24-hour nurse triage line.Convenient, efficient, and trustedAs a member of Lifespark COMPLETE (LSC), Irene qualified for Urgent Response Services which provides acute-level care for members in their homes. Within minutes, Leah Castle, RN, BSN, Mobile Urgent Responder, was on her way, getting briefed by the triage nurse on Irenes concerns.Once at Irenes home, Leah logged onto the secure portal to access key client information, including Irenes health history, medications, allergies, support system, financial considerations, contingency plans, and goals of care. Having this level of detail at our fingertips helps us make more accurate, more efficient assessments, she said. It also gives us a more complete picture of the member, so we can offer recommendations that align with their goals and lifestyle.After taking Irenes vitals, she drew some blood, took a photo of the worrisome knee, and talked through her findings with the on-call provider. They were both confident that it wasnt a bacterial infection but would wait for the lab results for confirmation. Leah sent a note to Irenes COMPLETE team to schedule a follow-up for the next week. In the meantime, Irene was to continue the antibiotics, take a Tylenol every six hours, ice her knee, and keep the leg elevated as much as possible.Leah dropped off the blood samples at the hospital lab for processing, and in less than two hours, the on-call physician had the results. Leah called Irene to let her know that the labs were negative for systemic infection and that her inflammatory markers were within normal range.Irene was relieved. This was so much better than going to the ER, she said.Rule-outs and rule-insIn Leahs experience, older adults often go to the ER to make sure theres nothing seriously wrong. In fact, studies show that roughly 32% of hospital ER visits are non-urgent and unnecessary. As a Mobile Urgent Responder, shes able to rule out those non-emergencies, efficiently and effectively, from the persons home.That was the case with Irene: shes had both knees replaced and was very concerned that shed need more surgery, Leah said. We were able to put her at ease and assure her that we would continue to monitor and manage her symptoms from home. If there is something to be concerned about, Leah added, the Mobile Urgent Response team is able rule in the need for emergency care.Building on career experienceHaving the confidence to make quick, accurate assessments and communicate them to Lifesparks medical experts comes from her diverse career background. One of Leahs first nursing jobs was on a cardiac step-down unit, a fast-paced, intense environment where the nurses were constantly working with different physicians and therapists. I learned how to quickly build trusting relationships with the providers and also with families during some of the darkest moments of their lives, she said.Leah said she grew professionally in that environment, gaining skills and knowledge that prepared her for her next job, at a long-term acute care hospital. The individuals she cared for had complex diagnoses and illnesses, such as extensive wounds, traumatic brain injury, chronic kidney disease, and respiratory failure. Patients were here for two to six months or more, many of them on ventilators and feeding tubes, so I got to know their families and learned how to support them, too, she said.In 2017, Leah joined Lifespark Community Home Care as their first on-call nurse. Coming into the Home Care setting with my background was powerful, because I knew what my clients had just walked out of, whether that was the hospital or rehab, and now I could help them stay healthy at home, she said.Seven years later, she was recruited for Lifesparks Mobile Urgent Response team. I feel like each step in my career has prepared me for the next one, and now, as a Mobile Urgent Responder, I can be the eyes and ears of our providers in the home, she said. I can also bring care and compassion and empathy to our members, so they feel confident in the care were providing.Benefits of early interventionThe Mobile Urgent Response team has been most successful when members call the triage line before their symptoms progress to a critical level. The team has been able to treat early symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the home, often with a short-term medication adjustment. However, if a CHF or COPD exacerbation isnt treated, the client would likely need to be hospitalized for IV therapy and increased respiratory support. Recently, Leah collaborated with the on-call provider to diagnose a painful ear infection that had developed quickly. The physician faxed a prescription for antibiotics to the clients pharmacy which they were able to pick up and start taking that same day.Its really fulfilling and rewarding to be able to offer this service to our members and their families who want to be supportive but cant always be there in person, Leah said. Theyre in good hands with Lifespark.To learn how Lifespark helps seniors stay healthy at home, visit Lifespark.com or call 952-345-8770.  

FIGHTING DRY SKIN IN THE WINTER!

Minnesota winters can be beautiful with the fresh snow and iced lakes, but they can also be brutally cold and rough on the body. One common frustration for many people during the winter months is excessive dry skin. If youre suffering from dry skin this winter or during any time of year, there are steps you can take to keep your skin healthy and glowing.What is Dry SkinDry skin is a common condition that often flares up during the colder months because there is less moisture in the air. The signs and symptoms of dry skin can vary with age, your overall health, and your environment, but they tend to include tightness on your skin, itching, flaking, scaling, or peeling. If left untreated, dry skin can lead to eczema, which causes the skin to be itchy, cracked, and inflamed. Excessive dry skin can also lead to infections if the skin cracks and is exposed to bacteria.Tips for Preventing Dry SkinAccording to theAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association, nearly everyone experiences dry skin by 60. Dry skin is common, especially in the winter, but you can take steps to keep the skin from drying out.MoisturizeApply moisturizer to your body as soon as youve finished bathing. Moisturizer acts as a seal on the skin to keep water contained. Make sure to use a gentle moisturizer free of fragrances and other harsh chemicals as they can further irritate the skin.Keep Skin DryIt might feel like a contradiction, but too much water exposure can dry your skin out. Try to limit how much time you spend in a bath or shower, and thoroughly dry your skin as soon as youre out. Also, make sure to keep your skin dry if you get caught in the rain or snow.Cover Skin in the ColdThe cold air can worsen dry skin and its symptoms, so keep your skin covered when youre outside. Wear thick gloves, scarves, and hats to protect your skin. If you experience dry skin on the face, you can wear a face mask or find a hooded jacket that blocks the breeze from your face.If your dry skin doesnt seem to improve in warmer months, comes with redness, or interferes with your sleep, talk to your doctor about treatment options to soothe your discomfort. You also want to see your doctor if you develop sores or open wounds as they may lead to an infection.How Visiting Angels Can HelpIf you or an aging loved one needs help caring for their dry skin this winter, the team at Visiting Angels can help. Our caregivers provide in-home services to help seniors safely age-in-place. In addition to assisting seniors in keeping their skin healthy, caregivers also help with light housekeeping, personal grooming, meal preparations, medication reminders, mobility assistance, and more. OurWayzata officeserves those in Minneapolis and the west and southwest communities. If youd like to learn more about our services, you cancomplete this online formor call us at 952.935.0789.

2022 Home Health Employer of Choice Award

CareAparent Receives 2022 Employer of Choice AwardTwin Cities Home Care Agency Receives Top Award from Home Care Satisfaction FirmWoodbury, Minn. February 9, 2022 CareAparent announced today that it has received the 2022 Best of Home Care Employer of Choice Award from Home Care Pulse. The Employer of Choice Award is granted only to top-ranking home care providers based on caregiver satisfaction scores gathered by Home Care Pulse, an independent satisfaction research firm for home care. CareAparent is recognized among the best employers in the in-home care industry.Were excited to congratulate CareAparent for their well-deserved achievement: earning the Best of Home Care Employer of Choice Award, says Todd Austin, President of Home Care Pulse. Since this award is based on employee feedback, it shows the dedication CareAparent has to providing their employees with a great working experience, ensuring clients have well-trained, compassionate caregivers.Best of Home Care Employer of Choice award-winning providers work with Home Care Pulse to gather feedback from their field staff via live phone interviews each month. Because Home Care Pulse is an independent company, it is able to collect honest and unbiased feedback.We are honored to be named an Employer of Choice by Home Care Pulse, says Lisa Lofquist, CareAparents Home Care Administrator. We strive to be the best workplace possible for our employees so they in turn can provide excellent care to our clients. This award is an outstanding recognition of these efforts, and we are motivated to continue empowering our team to serve others.At Home Care Pulse, our mission is to help home care businesses create an experience that goes beyond client and caregiver expectations, says Todd Austin, President of Home Care Pulse. When we see agencies like CareAparent that provide a truly outstanding employment experience, we know were on the right track. CareAparent has worked extremely hard to provide high-quality care and employment, and their work hasnt gone unnoticed. This award allows them to provide proof of quality to potential clients and caregivers.To find out more about CareAparents commitment to excellence to employees and clients alike, please visit CareAparent.com or call 651.702.HOME (4663). If interested in joining the CareAparent team, visitCareAparent.com/Careers.CareAparent provides in-home care for independent living. Licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health, accredited by The Joint Commission, and certified by Medicare, CareAparent offers comprehensive home health care solutions throughout the Twin Cities so clients can continue to enjoy life while living independently and safely at home. For more information, visit CareAparent.com or call 651.702.HOME (4663).Home Care Pulse leads the home care industry in experience management, online training, and review management. Through its Care Intelligence Platform, HCP empowers home care providers to attract and retain caregivers even during a historic caregiver shortage. HCP also conducts the annual Home Care Benchmarking Study, the most comprehensive survey of home care providers in North America and administers the annual Best of Home Care awards to agencies that achieve best-in-class client and caregiver satisfaction scores. For more information, visithttps://www.homecarepulse.com/.

Local Services By This Author

Marco Urgent Care

Urgent Care Centers 40 South Heathwood Drive,, Marco Island, Florida, 34145

Marco Urgent Care is convenient and close to home. Our center is available everyday from 8:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m. to keep you and your family safe and healthy. Our urgent care welcomes walk-in; no appointment is needed.As the first urgent care center on the island, Marco Urgent Care has been serving Marco and surrounding communities for more than 30 years. We can treat minor illnesses, stings, sports injuries, minor injuries or burns, colds, the flu and more. Our center also includes an onsite lab and radiology services.Our center is staffed by board certified emergency medicine physicians, is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, and as a part of NCH, Marco Urgent Care physicians have access to Mayo Clinic experts.When minor bumps, bruises and illnesses affect you or your family, the dedicated staff and physicians at Marco Urgent Care are here for you, close to home.If you have a problem that requires immediate attention please call the NCH Healthcare System switchboard: 239-624-5000. Please note: NCH cannot provide medical advice over the phone. If you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical help.

NCH

Physicians 350 7th Street North, Naples, Florida, 34102

NCH (Naples Comprehensive Health) is a locally governed non-profit and an Advanced Community Health System located in Naples, Florida. Our mission is to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life. The System is more than just two hospitals referred to as the NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Hospital) with a total of 713 beds. NCH is an alliance of more than 1,100 physicians and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida that offers nationally recognized, quality health care to our community.NCH was named one of Americas 100 Best Hospitals for 2024 by Healthgrades, the leading resource consumers use to find a hospital or doctor. This achievement puts NCH in the top 2% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance and, along with being named one of Americas Top 50 Hospitals for Surgical Care, reflects our commitment to exceptional patient care.Since early 2010, NCH Medical Group has grown its multi-specialty practice to more than 250 board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. As the largest physician group in Collier County with more than 40 locations and 15 different specialties, spanning from Marco Island to Bonita Springs, we are able to provide quality care close to your home. 

NCH

Hospitals 350 7th Street North, Naples, Florida, 34102

NCH (Naples Comprehensive Health) is a locally governed non-profit and an Advanced Community Health System located in Naples, Florida. Our mission is to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life. The System is more than just two hospitals referred to as the NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Hospital) with a total of 713 beds. NCH is an alliance of more than 1,100 physicians and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida that offers nationally recognized, quality health care to our community.NCH was named one of Americas 100 Best Hospitals for 2024 by Healthgrades, the leading resource consumers use to find a hospital or doctor. This achievement puts NCH in the top 2% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance and, along with being named one of Americas Top 50 Hospitals for Surgical Care, reflects our commitment to exceptional patient care.THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE CARENCH offers a wide range of choices in advanced services, providers, and locations. The NCH Rooney Heart Institute has been a pioneer in the cardiac arena for nearly 25 years and is committed to providing the highest quality of cardiovascular care in Southwest Florida. The cardiology team of accredited physicians and staff is unmatched and responds to cardiac emergencies in record time beyond the national standard. The NCH Rooney Heart Institute is at the heart of what matters most.The NCH Wingard Stroke Institute is a designated Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) by the Joint Commission. The Joint Commission is a global driver of quality improvement and patient safety in health care and there are only four designated Comprehensive Stroke Centers in Florida, making NCH Wingard Stroke Center the fifth center through the Joint Commission.HSS at NCH brings high-quality orthopedic care, including best practices, top surgeons and physicians, and imaging services, closer to home for Southwest Florida residents. The pioneering collaboration is part of the transformation of NCH to become an Advanced Community Healthcare System.The NCH and Nicklaus Childrens Hospital collaboration enhances care to our communitys youngest members and their families by providing inpatient services for NICU and PICU patients as well as Newborn Routine Screenings. NCH also houses the only 24/7 pediatric ER In Collier County.