LAGUNA HILLS – A new Center for Advanced Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine will help with treatment for the aging population in South County, Saddleback Memorial officials say.
The center in Mission Viejo is an out-patient, hospital-based program that works with the patient’s primary care physician. It opened Oct. 9 and has served nearly 20 patients so far.
“We are excited to have added this important service to our continuum of care,” said Steve Geidt, chief executive officer, Saddleback Memorial Medical Center. “Not only does the wound center complement the quality care already available at the hospital, but it fills an important need in the in the community. In the past, people may have had to travel long distances to receive this level of wound care. Now we offer the latest techniques right here in our own community.”
The center cost approximately $1.1 million and it was funded by Saddleback Memorial. It features five treatment rooms and two hyperbaricoxygen chambers.
It specializes in the treatment of problem wounds, a growing problem spurred by the aging of America and the increase in diabetes, according to a Saddleback Memorial Medical Center statement.
“People are living longer and getting older. Their blood vessels get clogged up and so when they get injured, they don’t have enough blood to carry healing supplies to the wound,” said Robert Kingston, co-medical director for the facility.
The wound healing center accepts patients with all types of problem wounds such as: burns, diabetic ulcers, open surgical wounds and traumatic wounds.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, Nov.6. It’s open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and operates by appointment. A patient is required a referral from the primary care physician.
The center, at 26137 LaPaz Road, suite 120 in Mission Viejo, serves all of south Orange County.
Contact the writer: amolina@ocregister.com or 949-454-7360
