The Stratford VNA’s Wound Care Program is designed to treat the full spectrum of skin care needs from minor skin irritations and injuries to complicated, complex wounds. The Wound Care Program is directed by a Wound Care Certified (WCC) nurse, Sharon Vitale, RN, who provides frequent supervision and training to clinical staff and coordinates the treatment plan. The most advanced wound care protocols and treatments are utilized allowing the Stratford VNA to treat and heal wounds in an aggressive, cost effective manner, while maintaining the patient’s comfort. The Stratford VNA specializes in difficult to heal, problem prone wounds started from all different causes. The involvement of the patient and caregiver is encouraged, and care is provided in collaboration with the physician and wound care centers from Bridgeport Hospital, St Vincent’s Medical Center and Griffin Hospital. Staff is experienced in ostomy care and education and can assist with proper appliance selection. Stratford VNA staff is certified in Wound VAC care and has enrolled in the KCI Ready VAC Program. The Ready VAC Program enables the nurses to bring the essential equipment out to the patient’s home eliminating the customary delivery wait.
We treat all types of wounds and skin conditions including:
- Diabetic Wounds and Ulcers
- Surgical Wounds
- Pressure ulcers or Bed Sores
- Arterial ulcers
- Venous Stasis Ulcers
- Skin Tears
- Traumatic Wounds
- Infected Wounds
- Rashes and inflammation
- Amputation sites
Our clinicians continually evaluate wound healing and response to treatment. Preventing infection or other complications and helping the patient heal and return to their normal activities of daily living are main goals of the program.
Patient education is a major component to our Wound Program. Education is tailored to the patient’s individual needs and focuses on eliminating factors that cause skin problems or interfere with healing, including preventing infection, relieving pressure, controlling diabetes and the dietary nutrients needed for healing. We will ensure that pain management needs are addressed and coordinate supply delivery. In addition, we incorporate digital pictures of wounds into the clinical record and can share these pictures with physicians as part of the collaborative relationship.
The following are components of our comprehensive wound program:
- Wound Care Certified (WCC) RN on staff
- Wound VAC Certified RNs
- Ostomy Care Education
- Compression Therapy
- ABI Testing Prior to Compression
- Pressure Relief Education
- Support Surfaces, Specialty Mattresses, and Chair Cushions
- Infection Assessment and Intervention
- Registered Dietician Support
- Medical Supply Coordination