Wound and Hyperbaric Center

Wound care has been offered by wound care specialists at Boone County Hospital (BCH) for over 25 years.  Nurses from the Wound and Hyperbaric Center perform wound assessments and determine treatment plans under the direction of Dr. Scott Thiel, Medical Director. They work closely with other hospital departments as well.

Boone County Hospital’s Wound and Hyperbaric Center provides specialized treatments for chronic and non-healing wounds. These injuries are defined as sores or wounds that have not significantly improved after conventional treatments. Associated with inadequate circulation, poorly functioning veins, and immobility, non-healing wounds lead to lower quality of life and may lead to amputations. When wounds persist, a specialized approach is required for healing. Typically, a wound that does not respond to normal medical care within 30 days is considered a problem or chronic wound.

State-of-the-art treatment, including debridement, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, dressing selection, special shoes, and patient education, is available.  The BCH Wound and Hyperbaric Center uses an interdisciplinary model of care, including infectious disease management, physical therapy, occupational therapy, laboratory evaluation, nutritional management, diabetic education, and debridement to address total patient health.

At Boone County Hospital Wound and Hyperbaric Center, you’ll receive the right treatment to heal your wound, which may include some of these therapies:

• Debridement (removal of dead or damaged tissue)

• Specially chosen dressings and wraps

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy 

• Bio-engineered tissue substitutes

Your Role in Healing

Much of the success of your treatment depends on you. You will need to follow directions carefully and watch your progress closely. You will learn about caring for your wound at home including how to change dressings and how to protect yourself from further injuries.

How to Start Healing:

Generally the physician presently treating your wound will refer you to our center. Or, you can make your appointment directly.

• When you call for your first appointment, we'll ask you a few questions about your wound and health in general.

• Before beginning treatment, our team of doctors, nurses, and therapists will thoroughly evaluate your wound and review your health and medical history.

• Tests might be conducted to tell us more about your blood flow and tissue oxygenation as well as to determine if there's any infection present.

• Together with your physician, we will develop a treatment program based on our assessment of your special needs. Your program will likely involve regular visits to the center. Your progress is meticulously documented and adjusted as necessary.

• We are in constant communication with your doctor throughout your care. Once your wound is healed, you will return to your doctor for follow-up care. And of course, you will continue with your personal physician for any related ailments like diabetes and hypertension.

For more information, contact the BCH Wound and Hyperbaric Center at (515) 433-8740.