Published on May 12, 2010

Methodist Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Recognized for Excellence

Methodist Medical Center physicians, leaders, and clinicians gathered on Wednesday, May 12, 2010, to celebrate the Center of Distinction award, presented to the Methodist Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine. The award was in recognition of its high patient satisfaction rates, exceptional healing results, and outstanding clinical outcomes over the past twelve months. This prestigious honor was awarded by the Center's partner in wound healing, Diversified Clinical Services (DCS), the nation's leading wound care management company.

For twelve consecutive months, the Wound Care Center has far exceeded national standard criteria for treating and curing chronic or non-healing wounds and in providing excellent care to patients all over Central Illinois.

Dana Hess, Program Director for the Wound Care Center commented on the award, "DCS brings our hospital's Wound Care Center enormous resources and expertise, enabling us to meet the increasing need for specialized wound care. We are thrilled to accept this award, and proud to offer this quality Center to our community."

The Methodist Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine treats the many Central Illinois residents who are suffering from chronic and non-healing wounds-a serious disorder that can lead to amputation of limbs and dramatically impaired quality of life. Associated with inadequate circulation, poorly functioning veins, and immobility, non-healing wounds occur most frequently in the elderly and in people with diabetes and other diseases-populations that are sharply rising as the nation ages and chronic diseases increase.

Non-healing wounds of the diabetic foot are considered one of the most significant complications of diabetes, representing a major worldwide medical, social, and economic burden that greatly affects patient quality of life. Almost 24 million Americans-one in every 12-are diabetic and the disease is causing widespread disability and death at an epidemic pace, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those with diabetes, 6.5 million are estimated to suffer with chronic or non-healing wounds.