MARTINSBURG, W.VA. -- The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center has received national reaccreditation by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS).
High performance standards are required for accreditation, and only 200 hyperbaric centers in the United States have achieved UHMS accreditation. Accepted as the “gold standard” in accrediting clinical hyperbaric facilities, the UHMS program and standards have been recognized by The Joint Commission.
“Achieving UHMS reaccreditation means that we have met the most vigorous industry safety standards, practice evidence-based medicine, and have high ratings in patient outcomes and satisfaction,” Kellyn Jackson, R.N., B.S.N., director of the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, said.
The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine is an outpatient department of WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center. It opened in November 2012 with one hyperbaric chamber, and a second chamber was added in September 2013. In 2015, the Center became the first wound care center in West Virginia to receive UHMS accreditation.
“We offer treatment locally for patients with chronic wounds, which are wounds that do not heal,” Jackson said. “For most of us, a minor cut or scratch poses little problem. However, there are many people who do not have the ability to heal properly due to poor blood circulation, diabetes, or other chronic problems.”
The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine offers a comprehensive approach for treating patients with non-healing wounds. It is staffed with specially trained physicians, nurses, and technicians that assess each patient looking at underlying causes that lead to chronic wounds. After each assessment, the treatment plan is then individualized to meet the specific needs of that patient.
Patients served by the Center include those with diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, arterial ulcers, venous ulcers, traumatic wounds, and non-healing surgical wounds. Cancer patients who have undergone radiation therapy may experience symptoms from radiation burns months or years after treatment has ended can also benefit from this service.
“Congratulations to the entire wound care team for achieving UHMS reaccreditation,” Anthony P. Zelenka, WVU Medicine East president and CEO, said. “This gold standard accreditation supports our health system’s commitment to excellence in providing health and wellness services.”