Once again, Kate Hargens, owner of The Bakery on Broadway, welcomed community members for another presentation in the What’s Happening Series. This week, Dr. Jeffrey Maire, General Surgeon at Audubon County Memorial Hospital (ACMH), shared information about wound care and the services available through the ACMH Wound Care Center.
The Wound Care Center helps patients who have wounds that aren’t healing as they should. Under Dr. Maire’s supervision, patients receive an evaluation and a treatment plan tailored to their individual needs.
Meg Ozbun, RN, specializes in wound care, working directly with Dr. Maire and patients each week, monitoring their progress and providing treatment to help wounds heal.
Dr. Maire talked with the group about the basics of wound care and why some wounds take longer to heal than others. Wounds can result from surgery, injuries, pressure, or changes in the skin as we age. While some heal with routine care, others need extra attention and ongoing treatment.
As we get older, our skin becomes more fragile and may not heal as easily. Pressure wounds are another concern, especially for people who have limited mobility or spend long periods in one position.
Dr. Maire explained that pressure injuries can sometimes be more serious than when they first appear. Damage may occur beneath the skin before it becomes visible on the surface. Recognizing wounds early and getting the right care can make a difference in how they heal.
Dr. Maire recommends contacting your primary care provider if a wound hasn’t healed within 30 days of the initial injury. Your provider can evaluate the wound and determine whether a visit to the ACMH Wound Care Center would be helpful.
Getting a wound checked can help identify what may be slowing the healing process and what treatment options are available.
While the goal is to maintain wounds so they get better whenever possible, some wounds cannot be completely healed. In these cases, care may focus on keeping the wound stable, preventing further problems, managing discomfort, and maintaining the patient’s quality of life.
Every patient is different, and the wound care team works to find the best approach for each person’s needs.
You can contact the ACMH Wound Care Center directly for an appointment at 712-563-5288 or go through your primary care provider.
