January 25, 2008

Newburgh, NY – To meet an increased regional demand for multidisciplinary wound care therapy, St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital has announced the addition of a third Hyberbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) chamber at its Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbarics. The Center, located at the Cornwall Medical Pavilion, provides effective treatment for patients not responding to traditional therapies, such as antibiotics.

"We’ve raised the bar on wound care in the mid-Hudson Valley,” said Robert S. Ross, SLCH Vice President of Operations. “The fact that the demand for services necessitated the acquisition of a third hyperbaric chamber is a testament to the quality of care we provide and our patients’ positive outcomes.”

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that enhances natural healing by providing additional oxygen to the body’s tissues. The increased oxygen, delivered under pressure in technologically advanced hyperbaric chambers, furthers the body’s ability to promote healing. HBOT is utilized for the treatment of nonhealing wounds caused by conditions including diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, arterial or venous ulcers, traumatic injury, complications after surgery or radiation therapy, rheumatoid arthritis, congestive heart failure, lymphedema and other conditions that compromise circulation.

Scott Francis, SLCH Director of Rehabilitation Services, said the SLCH Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbarics is meeting a regional need for comprehensive wound care, delivered in a friendly and professional environment. “We work in conjunction with the patient's referring physician to develop a customized wound treatment program,” said Francis. “Feedback from both patients and physicians has been extremely positive.” The SLCH Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbarics is located at the Cornwall Medical Pavilion, 21 Laurel Avenue. Treatment is covered by most insurance. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 458-4512.