For nearly 25 million Americans, the aging process, diabetes and other conditions lead to chronic, non-healing wounds.

In some cases, these wounds can take weeks, months or even years to fully heal, dramatically affecting the quality of life.

Deaconess Medical Center’s Comprehensive Wound Healing Center is designed to help those with chronic, recurrent, or non-healing wounds.

Meeting your special needs

To learn more about how the Deaconess Medical Center Comprehensive Wound Healing Center, call us directly at (509) 473-7005.

Open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Your First Visit
Our staff will evaluate your wound and general health. They will also review your medical history. A blood test may be involved. You may also need special tests that give us information about blood flow and oxygen flow in the wound area.

Your Healing Program
When your test results are in, we'll put together a treatment program based on your special needs. This program will include regular visits to the Wound Care Center to provide treatment, evaluate progress, and make any changes that might be needed. You (or your caregiver) will be given detailed instructions in home care, dressing (bandage) changes, and protecting the wound from further injury.

You're A Vital Part of the Program
Much of the success of your treatment depends on you. You must keep your appointments, follow directions carefully and watch your progress closely between visits. And any time you or your family members have questions, our staff is available. In fact, we encourage you to ask questions.

How Deaconess Works with your Doctor
The Deaconess Wound Healing Center works with your personal doctor, just like any other medical specialist. We'll discuss your treatment program with your doctor and keep him or her updated on your progress, unless instructed otherwise. You'll continue to see your doctor for routine medical care.

Insurance Coverage
Many health plans cover wound care treatment. Your coverage depends on your specific plan. You should contact your provider to determine your coverage prior to making your first appointment. We will contact insurance providers on your behalf to verify coverage. And, we will also help you seek alternative payment options if necessary. Be sure to bring your insurance cards with you when you visit the Deaconess Wound Healing Center.

Appointment
Talk to your doctor about receiving treatment at the Deaconess Medical Center Comprehensive Wound Healing Center. You may also schedule your own appointment by calling (509) 473-7005.

Deaconess Comprehensive Wound Healing Center
800 West Fifth Avenue
Spokane, WA
(509) 473-7005

1. Understanding your problem
There are a number of factors in the individual's medical history and health status that may compromise the body's ability to carry out the normal healing process. These include age, body weight, nutritional status, and other aspects of overall health and wellness.

• As the body ages, healing ability diminishes.
  
• Obesity increases risk for problematic wounds.
• Diabetes and many other chronic diseases affect healing.
  
• The presence of infection, at the site or in a body system, can slow healing.
  
• Good nutrition is key to the body's ability to heal.
  
• Vascular disease or prior radiation therapy may diminish healing abilities.
  
• Severely limited mobility and activity can lead to pressure sores and slow healing.
  
• Repeated re-injury and edema (tissue swelling) can interfere with the healing process.
  
• Inability to control bowel and bladder function can lead to skin irritation and subsequent wound development.

2. Assessing your problem
At the Deaconess Medical Center’s Comprehensive Wound Healing Center, we provide a full range of services for effective wound treatment and medical management.

• We begin with extensive assessment of the wound as well as other factors that may be affecting the wound healing process.
  
• Our multidisciplinary team develops treatment plans that are specially designed to meet the wound care needs of each individual patient.
  
• We communicate frequently with the patient's primary care and specialty doctors to ensure that care is well coordinated.
  
• We use photographic monitoring to continuously assess wound-healing progress.
  
• We provide each patient with self-care instructions, educational material, discharge planning and support services that continue to promote the healing process in the home setting.

3. Treating your problem
The Deaconess Comprehensive Wound Healing Center offers a number of state-of-the-art methods and approaches for treating problem wounds:

• Local wound care, keeping the wound clean, appropriately dressed and free of dead tissue and foreign material;
  
• Nutritional support, ensuring that the individual receives adequate levels of nutrition to promote healing;
  
• Infection management, including identification of causes and treatment of infection;
  
• Pressure relief and compression therapy, using such devices such as special mattresses and bandages to relieve excessive pressure or fluid build-up;
  
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, using comfortable, specially designed chambers to increase the level of oxygen in the bloodstream.