Mercy Wound Care - Washington

As many as 5 million Americans suffer daily with a chronic or non-healing wound that keeps them from enjoying their favorite activities or even performing simple tasks such as walking or bathing. Chronic wounds are more than a bother; they can lead to infection, tissue loss, or loss of an extremity such as a foot or a leg. The right treatment is necessary and with modern therapeutic treatment, most patients experience successful health and are able to return to work and leisure activities.

Mercy Wound Care offers:

• A team of healthcare providers that utilize the most advanced treatments, combining both medical and surgical options
• Individualized treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient
• Outpatient wound care clinic
• Personalized care that yields high patient satisfaction and excellent healing rates

Wound Treatment in Washington, Mo.

Our team will carefully evaluate patient’s wound(s) and overall health status at the first appointment. Based on the information gathered, our team of physicians and nurses will work with the primary care physician to develop a customized treatment plan. This will typically include a series of appointments at one of the Mercy Wound Centers, plus special dressings or bandages and detailed instructions on home care. Progress will be carefully monitored with examinations, photographs and measurements. Adjustments to treatment plans are made as needed to ensure the best possible healing.

In addition, we will explain how patients can care for their wound at home, including:

• How to change bandages
• How to protect the wound from further injury
• How to use diet and exercise to speed recovery and prevent recurrence
• If receiving home health, we will work with the home health nurse to ensure home care is consistent with that received in Mercy Wound Care

Wound Care Related Services

Non-Healing Wounds

Non-healing wounds can result from diabetes, immobilization, poor circulation, pressure or other conditions and healing may be complex due to infection, anemia or use of steroids, smoking and obesity. Any wound that has not had significant improvement in two weeks would be appropriate for a consultation at Mercy Wound Care. These may include the following:

Wounds with the following signs or symptoms should be addressed immediately, especially if the patient is a diabetic:

• Redness, warmth and pain
• Increased drainage or drainage with an odor
• Tenderness, swelling

Lymphedema Therapy

Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system does not work properly and results in chronic swelling of one or more body parts. The goal of Lymphedema therapy is to reduce swelling and move the flow of lymphatic fluid into the venous circulation. Various treatments are used in Mercy Wound Cares for Lymphedema including compression, skin hygiene, Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). While most cases of Lymphedema can be managed in the Mercy Wound Care, if needed, advanced Lymphedema referrals can be arranged from any of the Mercy Wound Care locations to Mercy Therapy Services for Lymphedema treatment.

Diabetes Care

Patients with diabetes have a 25% risk of developing diabetic foot ulcer in their lifetime. Our team of wound care and hyperbaric physicians, nurses and medical professionals who specialize in wound care/diabetic care, work closely with the patient’s existing healthcare provider to develop a customized treatment plan for diabetic wounds to ensure optimal healing. Treatments include:

• Removal of calluses or wounded tissue
• Treatment of any underlying infection
• Offloading the ulcer
• Maintaining a clean, moist wound environment to promote healing

Ostomy Care

A certified ostomy RN (CWOCN) is available by appointment for any patients with ostomies who would benefit from additional education or support. An ostomy is a surgical procedure used to create a stoma, or an opening in the abdominal wall, that allows the passage of digested food or urine. Ostomies may be permanent or temporary, depending on the section of organ removed and the patient’s medical status. People with ostomies can live full and active lives.