Comprehensive Wound Care Close to Home

As a part of Sheridan Memorial Hospital, Northeast Wyoming Wound clinic offers comprehensive wound care services. Two certified wound care specialists provide treatment to patients. Marta Ostler and Lisa Nichols both completed extensive training to become certified in wound care treatment. Additionally, three physicians provide one-on-one contact to patients through the clinics. Dr. Jost, (general and vascular surgery), Dr. Rabon (podiatric foot and ankle surgery) and Dr. Mangus (general surgery) rotate through the clinic.

A wound is an injury that involves a break in the skin. A chronic wound is one that does not heal in six to eight weeks. This type of wound causes pain, discomfort and limited mobility.

Acute or chronic wounds can result from serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease or circulation disorders. Wounds might also be exacerbated by factors such as poor nutrition and abnormal sustained pressure on skin over bony areas.

The wound care clinic provides appropriate referrals for surgery, podiatry, infectious disease and physical therapy. Wound treatment is part of the patient's overall healthcare plan. The staff works in conjunction with the patient's primary care physician to provide treatment.

A variety of services are offered as part of the comprehensive treatment, including:

• Complete assessment of wound, medical history and nutritional status
• Compression therapy for patients with venous ulcers and lymphedema
• Patient, family and caregiver education
• Prophylactic foot and nail care for patients with diabetes and lower extremity arterial disease
• Recommendations regarding appropriate topical therapy
• Recommendations for vascular and sensorimotor assessments
• Vestibular treatment
• Lymphedema

It is possible that people may not know whether or not they have a chronic wound that needs medical treatment. Chronic wounds might include diabetic ulcers – these are usually on the foot or the leg as a result of poor arterial circulation, nerve damage and pressure. Another example of a chronic wound might be one of several types of ulcers. Venous stasis ulcers are a result of poor venous circulation. Pressure ulcers are a result of unrelieved pressure or shear over bony prominences. Finally, arterial ulcers are a result of poor circulation or hardening of the arteries, or arteriosclerosis.

Anyone who has an acute or chronic wound that has not shown signs of healing after three weeks or anyone with a complicated surgical wound can be considered a candidate for the wound care clinic.

People who need further information about wounds or who would like to make an appointment should call 307-672-1161. A physician's order is recommended, but not necessary to be evaluated at the wound care clinic. Appointments are scheduled M - F from 8:00am - 4:30pm.