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life and health
WOUND CARE
PRESSURE
ulcers occur when
pressure cuts o% blood supply to
the skin. When walking, the body’s
weight striking the ground can cause
pressure ulcers to form on the ball of
the foot, big toes and—most o#en—
the heel. When an ulcer forms and
the patient does not seek medical
advice, the wound can grow larger,
and the possibility of infection
increases.
Help for healing
Gary Bates, 55, had a history of
recurring pressure ulcers on his le#
heel. He was referred by his physi-
cian for treatment at the Center
for Wound Care and Hyperbaric
Medicine. His treatment consisted of
surgical removal of dead skin, medi-
cation and custom-made orthotics.
Bates had lab and radiology tests to
help plan his wound care.
He experienced some occasional
mild irritation using the total con-
tact cast. With every episode, he re-
ported his discomfort to the wound
care center and the cast was removed
and reapplied.
Currently, Bates’ wound remains
closed, and he can walk normally in
shoes with the orthotic inserts.
The right place
"e environment in the wound
care center is friendly and profes-
sional. With wait times of less than
$ve minutes and &exible schedules,
the center strives to accommodate
patients’ needs. "e patients are
treated with dignity and respect and
are included in the planning of their
care. Each patient will see a physician
and nurse at each scheduled visit.
Complete care
“"is is the $rst time in over a
year that I have led a normal life,”
Bates says. “I can walk without pain
or bleeding. I am able to have an
active life, work is easier, and I am
saving money not having to use
dressing and damage to my shoes.
I could not have asked for better
care. I urge anyone with a wound
to go see the physicians and sta% at
the wound center. You will receive
excellent care and be welcomed into
a family environment.”
"e Center for Wound Care
and Hyperbaric Medicine is open
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. To make an appointment,
call
860.364.4515
. Physician refer-
rals or self-referrals are welcome.
Chronic wounds have been pres-
ent for more than two weeks without
signs of healing. Wounds treated in
the center are diabetic ulcers, venous
stasis ulcers, arterial ulcers, burns, skin
gra#s and &aps, osteomyelitis, and
pressure ulcers—to name a few. "e
center has two hyperbaric chambers
that can assist in your wound healing.
T H E C E N T E R F O R W O U N D C A R E A N D H Y P E R B A R I C M E D I C I N E
A patient’s success story
By Letha Walters, RN,
and Christian Davis, DPM
Sara A. Case, MD,
Medical Director,
Wound Care
Sara A. Case, MD
, Medical Director for The Center for Wound
Care & Hyperbaric Medicine at Sharon Hospital, is a certi#ed
wound specialist physician (CWSP) as designated by the Ameri-
can Academy of Wound Management (ABWM). Dr. Case is the
#rst—and currently the only— CWSP in Connecticut.
Established in 1995, the ABWM is dedicated to the multi-
disciplinary team approach in promoting of prevention, care,
and treatment of acute and chronic wounds. Currently, about
3,200 individuals nationwide hold the CWSP designation. This is
an important accomplishment achieved through hours of work in
preparation for the CWSP examination. Congratulations, Dr. Case!