By Kyle LoJacono
Wounds have nowhere to hide in east Pasco County.
For the third consecutive year, the Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine in Zephyrhills has earned the Center of Distinction award in recognition of its high patient satisfaction, exceptional healing results and outstanding clinical outcomes. The center was also given the Robert A. Warriner Center of Excellence Award for delivering high wound healing results.
The center, part of Pasco Regional Medical Center in Dade City, has exceeded the clinical requirements for these awards with a current healing rate of 97 percent and 24 days to heal and patient satisfaction rating of 94 percent. The current national average is a healing rate of 92 percent and 28 days to heal.
“I am extremely proud of this clinical team,” center program director Paige Myers said in a release. “The nurses and physicians are excellent clinicians. They put in a lot of emphasis on continuing education and providing the best care to our patients. It’s an honor to work with this team.”
In 2009, the center saw 579 new patients, according to Pasco Regional spokeswoman Katie Bryant. In 2010 the total was 583.
Nonhealing foot wounds are considered one of the most significant complications of diabetes, representing a major worldwide medical, social and economic burden that affects patient quality of life.
Almost 24 million Americans — one in 12 — are diabetic and the disease is causing widespread disability and death at an epidemic pace, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those with diabetes, 6.5 million are estimated to suffer with chronic or nonhealing wounds.
The center generally admits wound patients immediately, working with physicians to determine the most effective course of treatment. This outpatient comprehensive service offers advanced healing therapies often unavailable in primary care offices.
The services use an interdisciplinary approach to treatment involving a variety of therapies and techniques, including debridement, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, dressing selection, special shoes and patient education. When wounds persist and resist conventional treatment, a specialized approach is required for healing.
The center is located at 6215 Abbott Station Drive in Zephyrhills. For more information, visit www.PascoRegionalmc.com.
