Bridgeport Hospital Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine reaccredited

BRIDGEPORT, CT (March 13, 2017) – The Bridgeport Hospital Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine has been reaccredited for the maximum term of three years by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Society (UHMS).

Bridgeport Hospital is the only UHMS-accredited hospital in Bridgeport, one of only seven UHMS-accredited hospitals in Connecticut and in May will be the only one in the state that still has a multiperson hyperbaric chamber. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy relies on pressurized pure oxygen to stimulate wound healing, which often succeeds when other approaches are unsuccessful.

Most hyperbaric chambers are designed for only a single person but Bridgeport Hospital’s can comfortably accommodate up to six at a time plus a technician who supervises treatment. Terry Ann Schuster of West Haven is a recent patient who is grateful for the center’s more specious hyperbaric chamber and courteous staff.

“I get very nervous in confined areas,” Terry Ann said. I met with Dr. Butler and the staff, who allowed me to sit in the chamber with the door open and.explained how everything would work. My treatments started and the staff made me feel so comfortable and relaxed. I will forever appreciate the time, effort and the emotional support I received while going through my treatments. My wound is now completely healed.”

Leona McFadden of Bridgeport had surgery on her left toe last September. She began hyperbaric oxygen therapy in October and her wound healed before the start of the New Year.

“From my first visit until the end, I was treated professionally by a friendly and caring staff, especially the technicians,” said Leona. “The hyperbaric chamber was the best therapy that I've ever experienced.”

“Accreditation affirms our ongoing commitment to the highest quality wound care for patients, staffing and facilities,” said William Butler, MD, the center’s medical director.

The center treats a range of difficult-to heal wounds including burns, leg ulcers from poor circulation, pressure ulcers (bed sores), diabetic foot ulcers, burn scars, surgical wounds, traumatic injuries, insect or animal bites and radiation damaged bone and tissue,” Dr. Butler explained. In addition to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the center employs a variety of other wound healing techniques, such as advanced surgical treatments, bioengineered skin substitutes, topical medications, the use of specialized wound dressings and compression therapy (leg wraps).

The Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine is staffed by physicians, surgeons, podiatrists, advanced practice nurses (APRNs) and certified hyperbaric technicians. They work closely with physical and occupational therapists and other medical specialists, including infectious disease physicians and vascular surgeons.

“For nearly a decade, Bridgeport Hospital’s Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine has provided a unique service to effectively treat a variety of difficult wounds,” said Nabil Atweh, MD, Bridgeport Hospital Chairman of Surgery. “We are proud of our staff for the hard work and dedication it takes to keep the center one of the best in the nation.”

Bridgeport Hospital, part of Yale New Haven Health, is a non-profit 501-bed acute care hospital with two campuses (plus 42 beds licensed to Yale New Haven Children's Hospital). Its Bridgeport and Milford Campuses serve patients from across the region. The hospital admits more than 23,000 patients and provides nearly 350,000 outpatient treatments annually. The Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital is the only burn center in the state and one of only 64 verified burn centers in the United States. Bridgeport Hospital is committed to providing safe, compassionate and cost efficient care to its patients and the community. www.bridgeporthospital.org