When Providence Medical Center opened its Wound Care and Hyperbaric Clinic five years ago, the staff was honored to provide this much needed service to the community, especially those living in the western edge of the Kansas City area, according to a medical center spokesman.
Now, as the center celebrates its five-year anniversary in early November, it has seen a troubling trend as some individuals have been delaying important treatment due to concerns with COVID-19, according to the spokesman.
“Unfortunately, we have seen an alarming increase in patients who have delayed seeking treatment for their wounds. This delay has often resulted in a hospital admission or surgery. Diabetic wounds in particular can get worse quickly when not treated. Severe infection and possible amputation can be the unfortunate outcome.,” said Gregg Morris, a registered nurse who is the director of the Wound Care Center. He added, “The sooner you receive evaluation and treatment the greater the opportunity for wound healing.”
Many wound care patients often have other serious health conditions that complicate their medical treatment.
“Peripheral vascular disease and diabetes are especially debilitating,” stated Wound Care physician, Dr. Douglas Kelling. “Patients with these conditions are complex and require detailed evaluation and treatment to help their wounds heal.”
He added, because complex wounds often require care that takes place over weeks – even months – it is important to treat wounds early in their development to assure proper healing.
The Providence Advanced Wound Care Center, located in Suite 121 of the Doctors Building on the Providence campus, has four examination rooms where patients receive care Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Patient appointments can be scheduled at 913-596-7230. Wound Care Center experts provide expert wound care for area patients in western Wyandotte County and surrounding communities including Leavenworth County.
For more information about the Providence Advanced Wound Care Center, call 913-596-7230, or visit www.providencekc.com.
- Story from Providence Medical Center