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Wound Care Center

HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Highland's Wound Center provides specialized treatment for chronic or non-healing wounds, which are defined as sores or wounds

Mature female patient in a blue gown sitting in hospital bed looking up smiling to her male doctor standing bedside.

With state-of-the-art treatments available, including debridement, dressing selection, special shoes and patient education, people with non-healing and chronic wounds now have a place to turn.

To Schedule an appointment, please call us at (618) 651-2502. 

Wrapping a hand wound

Comprehensive, Integrated Wound Management

People with non-healing and chronic wounds now have a place to turn. Located on the second floor of the Medical Office Building in the hospital, the HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Wound Care Center provides specialized treatment for chronic or non-healing wounds. Our Wound Care Center offers state-of-the-art treatments including debridement, dressing selection, special shoes and patient education.

What are chronic or non-healing wounds?

Chronic and non-healing wounds can result from a number of factors, including diabetes, poor circulation, trauma, vascular disease and immobility (which can lead to pressure ulcers, commonly known as "bed sores"). These sores or wounds do not significantly improve from conventional treatments. An estimated eight million Americans suffer from chronic wounds. Non-healing wounds lead to a lower quality of life and may lead to amputations. When wounds persist, a specialized approach is required for healing. Typically, a wound that does not respond to normal medical care within 30 days is considered a problem or chronic wound.

All services in the St. Joseph's Hospital Wound Care Center are provided by Jose Diaz, Jr., M.D., who serves as the Center's Medical Director, and Janet Alvarado, M.D. Both are physicians affiliated with the HSHS Medical Group and are on the SJH Medical Staff.

Woman receiving wound care treatment

Can you benefit from wound care?

How do I know if my wound needs special medical care?

If you suffer from a chronic or non-healing wound, ask your physician about a referral to our Wound Care Center or contact us directly for an assessment. There are a number of factors that can cause chronic and non-healing wounds.

  • Aging population
  • Diabetes
  • Vascular deficiencies
  • Traumatic wounds
  • Prolonged pressure on bony prominence

Tracking Your Progress

Specialists who provide care at the Center work closely with the patient’s primary care physician and track the patient’s progress by several outcome measures, including digital imaging processes. Information regarding the patient's progress, along with updated photos of the wound, are submitted to the referring physician on an ongoing basis.

Benefits of using St. Joseph's Wound Care Center

If you are a candidate for this outpatient program, the Wound Care Center will work with you and your doctor to deliver the following:

  • Advanced therapies
  • Proven clinical protocols
  • An individualized, comprehensive plan of care that brings you the most appropriate and effective treatments for your specific needs
  • Assessment and ongoing care by our highly skilled team of wound care specialists, including a case manager who will oversee every aspect of your treatment
  • Education for you and your family to help healing happen at home, including materials and resources related to prevention, nutrition, hygiene and more
  • Ongoing communication and collaboration with you and your doctor so that you each remain informed about your progress
  • Now featuring two new hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers - a well-established treatment for non-healing wounds!

Wounds that benefit from the Wound Care Center

  • Diabetic ulcers
  • Pressure ulcers
  • Ischemic ulcers
  • Venous insufficiency
  • Traumatic wounds
  • Non-healing surgical incisions


St. Joseph's Wound Care Center in the news

Wound Care Center Brings Attention to Growing Need for Wound Care
June 14, 2023
June is Wound Care Awareness Month
Read More
Wound Care Center recognized for clinical excellence
April 26, 2022
HSHS St. Joseph's Highland's Wound Care Center recognized for clinical excellence in patient satisfaction
Read More
Wound Care Center highlights the importance of foot health
April 14, 2022
HSHS St. Joseph's Wound Care Center recognizes National Foot Health Awareness Month
Read More

Frequently asked questions

Many health plans cover Wound Care Center treatments. Call us to determine what your specific plan covers.
 
You may call the Wound Care Center directly or be referred by your doctor. To make an appointment directly, call 618-651-2502.
The first appointment consists of an assessment by our skilled wound care team, a review of your medical history, blood tests, and recommendations for your treatment plan. Please be sure to bring your medical records, insurance information, a list of current medications and a list of your allergies to your appointment. You should expect to spend several hours at the Center.
Chronic and non-healing wounds can result from a number of factors, including diabetes, poor circulation, trauma, vascular disease and immobility (which can lead to pressure ulcers, commonly known as "bed sores"). An estimated eight million Americans suffer from chronic wounds. Wounds come from a variety of different medical conditions, and they don't heal for many different reasons.
No. In fact, the Wound Care Center prefers to work with your physician or medical specialist during the treatments. We even keep your doctor informed with frequent progress reports. While you’ll be receiving treatment for your wound from the Wound Care Center, you’ll continue to receive all of your routine care from your primary physician.