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Often when people get a cut or a scrape, they don’t think too much about it. Proper care can ensure most wounds, such as minor cuts and scrapes, heal within a few days and can be handled at home. However, more serious wounds may require a trip to your primary care physician who will refer you to a wound care program.
On November 7, Aspirus Stanley Hospital is launching a new Wound Care program to provide direct local access to appropriate wound care and treatment, which are important to avoid serious complications. A wound can turn into serious infections such as cellulitis or sepsis without proper care.
Wounds are injuries that break the skin or other body tissue and often happen because of an accident such as burns and skin injuries from falls or the result of surgery, and stitches. Wounds/skin breakdown can also occur due to the body's inability to return blood and fluid from the lower legs.
“Skin is a protective barrier against bacteria and other foreign invaders. While it is open, bacteria can enter and multiply, causing an infection,” said Alissa Broughton, RN, Surgical Services, and Specialty Clinic Supervisor at Aspirus Stanley Hospital.
When it comes to serious wounds, the CDC recommends a person seek medical attention as soon as possible if:
- There is a foreign object (soil, wood, metal or other objects) embedded in the wound.
- A wound is a result of an animal bite.
- A wound is a result of a puncture by a dirty object.
- The wound is infected (pain and soreness, swelling, redness, drainage, or you develop a fever).
- You have signs of sepsis such as confusion or disorientation; shortness of breath, high heart rate, fever or shivering; extreme pain or discomfort; or clammy or sweaty skin.
“Wound care involves every stage of wound management,” Broughton adds. “This includes identifying the wound type, considering factors that affect wound healing, and the proper treatments for wound management. Once the wound type is identified and all factors are considered, the treatment facility can determine the best treatment options.”
Aspirus offers specialized wound care services that can promote healing and prevent infection and re-occurrence. Depending on the type of wound and where it is located, different treatments or techniques may be used to help the body heal such as plans for lifetime compression therapy, complete wound assessment, and education.
Aspirus Stanley Hospital will offer Wound Care services from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
“This is a prime example of our staff identifying a need in the community and collaborating to make this service a reality,” said Debbie Harris, RN, Director of Nursing at Aspirus Stanley Hospital.
For more information on the Aspirus Stanley Hospital Wound Care program, please call 715.644.6123 or visit aspirus.org/wound-care.
Pictured above (from left): Leaders and Wound Care staff at Aspirus Stanley Hospital - Debbie Harris, RN, Director of Nursing, Aspirus Stanley Hospital; Erin Harrington, APNP; Alissa Broughton, RN, Surgical Services and Specialty Clinic Supervisor, Aspirus Stanley Hospital; Ann Wagner, RN; Jahoon Koo, APNP; Maria Greenhow, RN.
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