Alleghany Regional Hospital has established an Advanced Wound Center to treat area residents affected by chronic wounds.

The incidence of chronic wounds throughout the Alleghany Highlands follows national trends, with the rate increasing by approximately 10 percent annually.

Chronic wounds are generally the result of complications from diabetes, circulatory problems, and inadequate pressure relief.

The mission of the Advanced Wound Center is to provide quality wound care and education to achieve optimal wound healing, wound management, and prevention outcomes.

"With the center's opening, we can now offer patients in the Alleghany Highlands a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach in the treatment of chronic wounds," said Beth Zierler, who is the center's clinical director, as well as a physical therapist and certified wound specialist. "This type of approach has been proven to speed healing, help prevent complications, and reduce the incidence of recurrence."

"Problems associated with chronic wounds, unfortunately, are on the increase," Zierler added. "Diabetes, which affects nearly 16 million Americans, is a leading cause of foot ulcers which often develop into chronic wounds. Additionally, more than 80,000 diabetes-related leg amputations are performed each year."

"Circulatory problems associated with the lower leg veins and peripheral artery diseases are common sources of chronic wounds that require specialized attention and cure in order to promote healing and to stop them from recurring," Zierler said. "Pressure ulcers, often caused by a lack of mobility can also develop into chronic wounds."

Robin Broughman, RN., CNO, and Dr. Atif Khan, M.D., direct the Center with Zierler in its mission to provide quality wound care and education. This team has a goal of not only in improving the outcomes associated with treating chronic wounds, but also in reducing the burden on patients who previously had to travel outside the area for wound treatment.

The Advanced Wound Center is one of two centers within the HCA Virginia Health System in the commonwealth's southwest region. The other center, located at Lewis-Gale Medical Center, also offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy for patients with wounds that don't respond to other advanced therapy care.

Alleghany Regional's Advanced Wound Center will be hosting an open house for physicians and the community on Tuesday, April 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The center is located in Suite 202 of the Medical Office Building and can be reached by calling 540-862-6855, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Source: Virginian Review, Thursday March 4, 2010.