Wound center in Portsmouth

The Wound Care Center at Portsmouth Regional Hospital gives you access to a full spectrum of wound care services, including inpatient and outpatient wound healing, wound management, prevention and education. Our advanced technology includes hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which stimulates healing and growth of healthy tissues without the need for surgery.

While most of our patients are referred by a primary care physician, you can contact us directly for services by calling (603) 433-6994.

We also partner with Healogics, a leader in evidence-based clinical wound healing care. With an exceptional success rate of over 90 percent for patients who complete the program, Portsmouth Regional Hospital has provided life-changing care for over 5,000 patients.

Wound conditions we treat

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.

We treat a wide range of chronic, non-healing and acute wounds stemming from:

  • Vascular disease
  • Diabetes or other metabolic disorders
  • Bone or soft tissue infection (venous or arterial)
  • Crush injuries
  • Complex medical and surgical conditions
  • Pressure ulcers
  • Radiation injuries
  • Immunosuppression
  • Thermal burns
  • Malnutrition
  • Arterial disease

Wound treatments

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.

For most patients, treatment involves weekly visits for two to two-and-a-half months. During each visit, the patient works with the same team members, building a relationship that greatly enhances the healing process and encourages program completion.

Treatment approaches may include:

  • Vascular surgery
  • Skin grafting
  • Infection control
  • Compression therapy
  • Protective devices
  • Hyperbaric medicine supported by pharmacy, nutrition services, rehabilitation services and home healthcare and social services.

Hyperbaric medicine therapy (HBOT)

We offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy (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.

HBOT uses the body's natural healing processes to help treat a variety of conditions, including:

  • Certain wounds that are healing slowly or not at all in a person with diabetes
  • Tissue damaged from radiation therapy
  • A skin graft with inadequate blood supply
  • Certain types of infections of the bone and/or skin

What to expect from HBOT

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 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 in the Wound Care Center prior to being scheduled for HBOT.