The newly expanded Wound Healing Institute at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital is the only facility on the Seacoast that is led by a team of surgeons. Together with an experienced staff comprised of nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, wound healing patients are achieving impressive results. Patients are evaluated thoroughly through an individual case management approach which allows for a more complete diagnosis. This 16 week structured program involves weekly visits to the Wound Healing Institute where progress is evaluated through a unique database to track success. In fact, since the Wound Healing Institute was started in 2001, 90 -95% of patients have had significant wound resolution within the program time frame. The comprehensive program also stresses prevention by assessing behaviors and lifestyle factors including nutrition and correct footwear.

For more information, please call 740-2832.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Center
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunct therapy to the Wound Healing Institute. For patients suffering from chronic, non-healing wounds, diabetic ulcers, or tissue damage from radiation therapy, the use of hyperbaric medicine can improve healing times by enhancing the amount of oxygen delivered to damaged tissues. Complex and chronic wounds are wounds that do not heal within normal timeframes – despite even with traditional care. The HBO center houses two hyperbaric oxygen chambers on the third level across the Douglass North nursing unit. Average treatments last about two hours, five days a week for up to six weeks. The chambers are clear acrylic cylinders surrounding a patient bed. TV and music are available for patient use during treatment times. The patients can also communicate with staff during the entire treatment.