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Scott Orstad
Manager, Corporate Communications
(203) 276-5933
Stamford, CT - May 2, 2008 - The Connecticut state Office of Health Care Access has approved Stamford Hospital's request to expand its Wound Care Center to include hyperbaric oxygen therapy services.
The Wound Care Center treats patients with chronic wounds stemming from diabetes, venous stasis, collagen vascular disease, ischemia, pressure and other causes. A chronic wound is defined as any wound that has not decreased in volume by 50 percent over a four-week period. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy service (HBOT) is now considered the optimal treatment care for a range of chronic non-healing wounds.
"The delivery of high doses of oxygen through HBOT has been clinically proven to speed healing and stimulate the body's own immune system to fight infections," said William Heist, Program Director for the Wound Care Center. "Having this service in the Stamford community will be of great benefit to the patients we care for, many of whom are elderly and are restricted in their mobility."
The Wound Care Center, which is currently located at the Tully Health Center, will relocate to a larger, renovated space at 1351 Washington Boulevard to accommodate the new hyperbaric oxygen therapy service. The move is expected to take place later this year. When the Wound Care Center relocates to 1351 Washington Boulevard, it will be conveniently adjacent to the Hospital's new Diabetes and Endocrine Center, which will open later this year as well.
"Since many patients with diabetes are at risk of developing chronic wounds, this will create a great synergy for patients when seeking care," Heist said.
Stamford Hospital
Stamford Hospital is a not-for-profit provider of comprehensive healthcare services in lower Fairfield County. The mission of Stamford Hospital is to provide, together with its physicians, a broad range of high quality health and wellness services focused on the needs of our communities. Stamford Hospital is a Magnet Hospital, and a member of the Planetree Alliance, a group of hospitals nationwide focused on patient-centered care. Stamford Hospital is affiliated with NewYork Presbyterian Health System and is a major teaching affiliate of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
