UnityPoint Health – Trinity Center for Wound Care has added hyperbaric oxygen therapy to its offerings thanks to a new partnership with Healogics, the health system recently announced.
Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, Healogics is the nation’s leading provider of advanced wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy services.
“Partnering with Healogics allows us to provide even more high-quality, coordinated care right here in our communities,” said Jessica Nicely-Green, wound care and hyperbaric medicine program director at UnityPoint Health – Trinity. “Adding hyperbaric oxygen therapy strengthens our comprehensive approach, helping complex wounds heal more effectively while keeping care close to home.”
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a non-invasive, painless treatment in which the patient breathes 100% oxygen inside a pressurized chamber for short periods of time. The therapy quickly delivers high concentrations of oxygen to the bloodstream, accelerating the healing rate of wounds, and is highly effective in fighting certain types of infections. It also stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, improves circulation and helps prevent future problems, UnityPoint said in a news release.
“Wounds need oxygen to heal properly. For most people, this happens naturally. For others, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help heal problem wounds that haven’t responded to previous treatment,” added Richelle Roether, a nurse practitioner with UnityPoint Health – Trinity Center for Wound Care, Bettendorf.
“Patients that are good candidates include those with chronic conditions or those with wounds that have not improved after four weeks or more of standard care,” she said.
Chronic wounds on rise
According to UnityPoint, estimates show chronic wounds affect more than 11 million people in the U.S. That number is rising, fueled by an aging population and increasing rates of conditions such as diabetes, obesity and the late effects of radiation therapy. If left untreated, chronic wounds can lead to diminished quality of life and possibly amputation of an affected limb.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is available at UnityPoint Health, and no referral is required. To learn more or schedule an evaluation, call (563) 742-5100.
