WVMC Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine Participates in Wound Care Awareness Week

The Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine center at Willamette Valley Medical Center is helping raise awareness of chronic wounds during the seventh annual Wound Care Awareness Week, being held from June 1 to June 5.

Wound Care Awareness was established in 2014 to bring attention to the chronic wound epidemic and the 6.7 million Americans who are currently living with non-healing wounds. Wound care centers across the nation dedicate the week to educating physicians, patients, and the general public about the chronic wound epidemic and the advanced wound care solutions available. Willamette Valley Medical Center Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine offers advanced therapies to patients suffering from chronic wounds.

While there are already millions of people living with chronic wounds, the incidence is rising, fueled by an aging population and increasing rates of diseases and conditions such as obesity and the late effects of radiation therapy. A person with a wound has an average of three to four chronic conditions like diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If left untreated, chronic wounds can lead to diminished quality of life and possibly amputation of the affected limb. Even more alarmingly, 50 percent of people die within five years of amputation.

Robert Berry, Program Director at Willamette Valley Medical Center Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, wants to emphasize the importance of seeking treatment for wounds in a timely manner. “Wound Care was labeled by Medicare an essential part of care during this COVID-19 pandemic,” said Robert. “Don't wait to seek medical treatment for a wound, as leaving a wound untreated can increase the possibility of an amputation and/or impede the ability for the wound to heal.”

Did you know: Willamette Valley Medical Center Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine averages 48 hours from the time a referral has been received to the time a patient has been seen by one of their wound care doctors.

To support this underserved and growing population of people living with chronic wounds, Willamette Valley Medical Center Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine offers an evidence-based, systematic approach to advanced wound care. A patient’s individualized treatment plan may include specialized wound dressings, debridement, compression therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, advanced cellular products and topical growth factors, edema management and/or non-invasive vascular assessment. These treatments are the result of a team approach between the physicians, nurses, and the referring physician. A treatment plan is developed and scheduled based on the patient’s needs. Once treatment is complete, the patient will return to their primary physician to continue routine care.

People with wounds that have not improved with traditional methods of treatment may benefit from a visit to Willamette Valley Medical Center Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine. To schedule an appointment, please call 503.472.5749 or visit WillametteValleyMedical.com/Wound-Care-and-Hyperbaric-Medicine.