For Immediate Release

July 6, 2003

Mercy Memorial Opens New Wound Care Center

Ardmore—With Mercy Memorial's new Wound Care Center, patients with chronic wounds will benefit from the latest advancements and a team of wound-care specialists who treat wounds that don't respond to routine measures.

"The most common problems addressed in a wound care center include diabetic wounds, trauma wounds, pressure ulcers and ulcers resulting from vascular insufficiency," said Larry Long, M.D. "Treatment for these kinds of wounds usually require the experience of a variety of clinical specialists. We are here to assist patients and physicians by treating wounds and open sores that are slow to heal."

Chronic wounds—often caused by diabetes, poor circulation or other conditions—affect 3 to 5 million Americans every year. Although primary care physicians can treat many wounds, chronic wounds that have failed to heal after weeks or years of routine care often need specialized treatment provided by wound care specialists. Many wounds respond to salves and dry gauze dressings, but more difficult wounds sometimes require a moist environment to facilitate a faster and more normal healing process.

Mercy Memorial Wound Care Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Patients should have an appointment or physician referral. For more information about wound care or to schedule an appointment, call 220-6290.

Mercy Memorial Health Center is a member of Mercy Health System of Oklahoma and the Sisters of Mercy Health System-St. Louis.

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