Wound Care Program helps those with problem wounds

Wounds are common problems, but caring for them, especially those that heal very slowly, can be a challenge. The Total Wound Clinic at St. Croix Regional Medical Center is specifically designed for individuals who have problem wounds. "Such wounds have various causes," says SCRMC General Surgeon, Dr. Claudio Nunes, who works with the program, "and they include trauma, surgery, severe laceration, pressure sores, infection, ulcers, problem skin grafts, and chronic illnesses such as diabetes and vascular disease." Problem wounds are also challenging because many patients and their caretakers are intimidated by them and are often unable to manage their care adequately.

Thanks to the in-house Total Wound Clinic program at SCRMC , patients are now able to work on-site with a team of providers who are highly skilled in caring for these complex wounds. "Our staff provide comprehensive nutritional, vascular, and general health evaluations for each patient to identify and treat conditions that may be associated with difficult healing," explained program director and physical therapist, Nyle Relay. Because good nutrition is critical for healing, SCRMC dietician Robin Herr works closely with each patient to ensure that they receive the appropriate amount of calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals" In addition to Dr. Nunes, Relay, and Herr, the Total Wound Clinic team includes physical therapist Liisa Mayo,Krista Bellrichard, PTA, and Mary LeBlanc, RN.

Once a patient's evaluation is completed, the program team implemen ts a multi-disciplinary approach that addresses the underlying causes of the patient's condition. Highly specialized treatments include negative pressure therapy and vacuum assisted closure, bio-engineered artificial skin substitutes, biological and biosynthetic wound beds, growth factor therapies, ultrasound, surgical debriedment, ultraviolet light, and electrical stimulation. Of equal importance, Total Wound Clinic staff teach patients and their caregivers how to care for and change dressings to avoid infection.

"By working together," said Relay, "our goal is to achieve complete healing as quickly as possible and to prevent recurrence of the wound."


SCRMC Wound Care Team (l to r) are: Liisa Mayo, PT, Nyle Relay, PT, Claudio Nunes, MD., Kirsta Bellrichard, PTA, and
Mary LeBlanc, RN. Not pictured: Robin Herr, Dietician.