Advanced wound care center
If you're dealing with a wound that won't heal, our dedicated team offers helpful treatments.
The Wound Care Center at Portsmouth Regional Hospital gives you access to a full spectrum of wound care services. Our advanced technology includes hyperbaric medicine, which encourages the growth of healthy tissues without the need for surgery.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Wound conditions we treat
We treat a wide range of chronic, non-healing and acute wounds resulting from:
- Arterial disease
- Bone or soft tissue infection
- Complex medical conditions
- Crush injuries
- Diabetes
- Immunosuppression
- Malnutrition
- Metabolic disorders
- Pressure ulcers
- Radiation injuries
- Surgical conditions
- Thermal burns
- Vascular disease
Our wound care center
If you're dealing with a wound that won't heal, our dedicated, patient-centered team will work with you and your physician to evaluate your condition and create a customized plan of treatment.
Wound treatments
While most wounds heal quickly on their own, some types of wounds require additional treatment. Our Wound Care Center defines a chronic, non-healing wound as one that does not heal or, at least, improve significantly within four weeks.
Depending on the severity of your wounds, treatment will most often involve weekly visits for two to two-and-a-half months. During each visit, you work with the same team members, building a relationship that mayt greatly enhance your healing process and encourages program completion.
Treatment approaches may include:
- Compression therapy
- Infection control
- Protective devices
- Skin grafting
- Vascular surgery
We also partner with Healogics, a leader in evidence-based clinical wound healing care. With an exceptional success rate if you complete the program, we have provided life-changing care for over 5,000 people.
While you typically are referred by your primary care physician, you can also contact us directly for services by calling (603) 433-6994.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)
We offer HBOT, one of the most advanced treatment options available for healing wounds. This treatment involves breathing pure oxygen in a sealed, pressurized environment to help push oxygen into the blood plasma. HBOT stimulates the growth of blood vessels in damaged tissue and is effective in fighting some types of infection.
This therapy uses your body's natural healing processes to help treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Certain types of infections of the bone or skin
- Serious wounds caused by diabetes
- Skin grafts with inadequate blood supply
- Slow or nonhealing wounds
- Tissue damaged from radiation therapy
Hyperbaric medicine is also supported by our pharmacy, nutrition services, rehabilitation therapy, home healthcare and social services.
HBOT frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Our team provides instructions and answers your questions before your first treatment. You'll need to inform the staff about any medications you are taking. Family members or other caregivers are encouraged to participate in the initial orientation session.
How long does therapy last
Unless you have another medical condition, HBOT is an outpatient treatment that usually lasts about two hours. The number of treatments will depend on your diagnosis and care plan.
Are there side effects or pain?
Most people experience no pain or discomfort during or after treatment. You may feel fullness in your ears similar to what you might experience during an airplane flight.
How should I prepare?
A comfortable cotton garment is provided for you to wear during treatment, and you will be asked to remove jewelry, glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and prostheses. If you have cold or flu symptoms, it may be necessary to postpone your treatment.
How can I schedule an HBOT treatment?
You'll need to be evaluated by one of our physicians prior to being scheduled for HBOT.
Unless you have another medical condition, HBOT is an outpatient treatment that usually lasts about two hours. The number of treatments will depend on your diagnosis and care plan.
Most people experience no pain or discomfort during or after treatment. You may feel fullness in your ears similar to what you might experience during an airplane flight.
A comfortable cotton garment is provided for you to wear during treatment, and you will be asked to remove jewelry, glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and prostheses. If you have cold or flu symptoms, it may be necessary to postpone your treatment.
You'll need to be evaluated by one of our physicians prior to being scheduled for HBOT.