Beebe Wound Care, a specialized program within the Beebe Healthcare system, offers advanced treatment for individuals experiencing chronic and non-healing wounds. Established in 1998, this program focuses on providing state-of-the-art wound care with an outcomes-driven approach. The mission centers on facilitating rapid healing for complex wounds that have resisted conventional treatments. Their dedication to specialized care has resulted in a healing rate consistently exceeding 98 percent, which is above the national average.
Conditions Addressed
Beebe Wound Care treats a range of persistent and complex wounds. This includes common issues such as diabetic foot ulcers, a significant concern for individuals with diabetes. Venous stasis ulcers, typically found on the lower legs, result from poor circulation and inefficient blood return. Pressure injuries, also known as bedsores, occur when sustained pressure on the skin damages underlying tissue, frequently affecting individuals with limited mobility.
The program also addresses arterial ulcers, which arise from insufficient blood flow to the affected area, often due to peripheral arterial disease. Traumatic wounds and minor burns that are slow to heal are also treated. Additionally, Beebe Wound Care provides care for non-healing surgical wounds. They are equipped to manage more severe cases, including chronic refractory osteomyelitis, which is a persistent bone infection, and tissue damage caused by radiation therapy.
Comprehensive Treatment Methods
Beebe Wound Care employs various advanced therapies for healing. One prominent method is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which involves patients breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This process increases oxygen concentration in the bloodstream, aiding the body’s natural healing processes and helping to fight infection by delivering oxygen to compromised tissues. Beebe utilizes advanced BARA-MED hyperbaric chambers for this treatment.
Debridement involves the removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue from the wound bed. This procedure can be performed through various methods, including surgical intervention, enzymatic agents, or autolytic processes. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is frequently used, applying controlled suction to the wound through a specialized dressing. This technique helps to remove excess fluid, reduce swelling, encourage blood flow, and stimulate the growth of new tissue.
The center also incorporates bio-engineered skin substitutes to aid in the closure of chronic, non-healing ulcers. Compression therapy, often through specialized wraps, is used to manage swelling and improve circulation, particularly in venous ulcers. Specialized wound dressings are selected based on the wound type and healing stage to maintain an optimal moist environment, protect against bacteria, and support the healing process. Beyond direct wound interventions, comprehensive care includes managing blood glucose levels for diabetic patients and providing nutritional support.
A Coordinated Approach to Healing
Beebe Wound Care emphasizes a patient-centered philosophy, using a multidisciplinary team approach. This collaborative model brings together specialized wound care providers, nurses, physical therapists, dietitians, and social workers. Each professional contributes their unique expertise to develop a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for every patient.
The team works in concert to assess the patient’s overall health, considering how other medical conditions or lifestyle factors may impact wound healing. Nurses play a significant role, providing direct wound care and educating patients on at-home management techniques. Physical therapists may assist with mobility and strategies to prevent future wounds, while dietitians ensure adequate nutrition, which is a significant factor in tissue repair. Social workers can help address the emotional impact of chronic wounds and connect patients with necessary community resources, ensuring holistic support throughout recovery.
Beginning Your Care Journey
Individuals considering Beebe Wound Care can initiate their care journey by consulting with their primary physician. If a wound has not shown signs of healing for a month or more, it is advisable to discuss a referral to specialized wound care. A physician can provide a signed order, including specific details about the wound and the patient’s recent medical history.
Once the referral is in place, patients can contact Beebe Wound Care directly to schedule their initial appointment. The program’s main location is within the Medical Arts Building at the Beebe Health Campus on Route 24 near Rehoboth Beach. This initial consultation allows the specialized team to evaluate the wound, review medical history, and discuss the most appropriate course of treatment tailored to the individual’s needs.