For Immediate Release May 28, 2010

Contact: Brian Reardon (217) 544-6464, ext. 44306 brian.reardon@st-johns.org

ST. JOHN’S REGIONAL WOUND CENTER EARNS
CENTER OF DISTINCTION AWARD

SPRINGFIELD –St. John’s Regional Wound Care Center has been designated a Center of Distinction by Diversified Clinical Services, the nation's leading wound care management company. Less than half of the nation’s more than 300 wound centers have attained this designation, which recognizes wound centers for high patient satisfaction rates, exceptional healing results, and outstanding clinical outcomes during a twelve month period.

“Having a chronic wound is one of the most distressing problems that a person can have. The care and compassion from our physicians and staff is a testament to the dedication and commitment to excellence that we strive for every day,” said Dr. Robert McLafferty, Medical Director and a vascular surgeon with SIU School of Medicine.

St. John’s Regional Wound Care Center provides specialized treatments to patients from throughout central Illinois suffering from chronic, non-healing wounds that if not treated properly can lead to amputation of limbs and a 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.

St. John’s Regional Wound Center treats these patients by working with referring physicians to determine the most effective course of treatment. This outpatient care includes advanced healing therapies often unavailable in primary care offices. These services use an interdisciplinary approach to treatment involving a variety of therapies and techniques, including debridement, skin substitutes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), dressing selection, special shoes, and patient education. When wounds persist and resist conventional treatment, a specialized approach is required for healing.

The Wound Center effectively utilizes HBOT, which has been used to assist wound healing for more than 40 years, and is used as an adjunctive treatment for problematic, non-healing wounds that meet specific criteria. It is expected that 10-20% of the wound care cases meet those criteria.

“It’s a privilege to be part of an outstanding team and great collaborative effort between the hospital and Diversified Clinical Services. Together, we are able to heal patients in our community, getting them get back to living their lives happy and healthy,” added McLafferty.

About Diversified Clinical Services

Diversified Clinical Services (DCS), located in Jacksonville, Florida, is the world’s largest wound care management company with over 300 hospital partners delivering excellent evidence-based care to patients with chronic wounds. DCS has been the leader in wound care for over 20 years, offering the most advanced modalities–including adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Providing outstanding wound care is DCS’ entire focus. Our leaders are internationally recognized experts in wound care, who research, teach, and guide quality-improvement initiatives such as DCS’ Clinical Practice Guidelines.