JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Center for Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville has been recognized with a national award for its care, officials said.
Physicians, leaders and clinicians gathered Wednesday to celebrate the Center of Distinction Award provided by Healogics, Inc., which is the nation's largest provider of advanced wound care services.
Officials said the Center for Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine at Baptist Jacksonville achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including patient satisfaction higher than 92 percent, a minimum wound healing rate of at least 91 percent within 30 median days to heal and other quality outcomes.
There were 506 centers eligible nationally for the Center of Distinction award, but 172 achieved the honor, officials said.
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"We strive for the best outcomes for our patients and to provide our community with the highest-quality care possible," president of Baptist Health Jacksonville, Michael Mayo, said. "Receiving this award for distinction is a testament to the hard work and compassionate care our team consistently provides to the patients we serve."
Michael W. Lusko, DO, FACEP, UHM, medical director of the Baptist center, said he is pleased the center is being recognized for the dedication and hard work of its team members.
"I have seen firsthand the impact a non-healing wound can have on a patient's daily life," Lusko said. "Our goal is to heal their wound, relieve their pain and prevent the need for amputation. We are able to heal chronic wounds faster using the most advanced treatments and technology. Our evidence-based guidelines allow us to understand the cause of a chronic wound, why it's not healing and provide a detailed plan of care leading to strong, positive healing outcomes."
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Vincent Lhotka, 53, is in the heavy equipment rental and sales business. Health officials said he was close to losing his right foot after a forklift injury.
Lhotka had a couple of surgeries and received treatment at the wound center at Baptist Jacksonville, including using the hyperbaric oxygen therapy and having his wound cleaned and skin rejuvenated. Officials said he was in a wheelchair, but now is walking with a cane and his foot was saved.
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"The entire team at the center was a big part of my success in healing and they became friends of mine," Lhotka said. "I was pleased with the results and the positive attitude of everybody there. I refused to lose my foot and the Baptist Center for Wound Care gave me the support I needed."
Wanda Daughtry came to the Baptist Center for Wound Care last year. Health officials said she had surgery on her leg for poor circulation from diabetes and an infection. The center said it helped with cleaning and healing of her wound.
"I could have lost my life," Daughtry said. "Everyone was so friendly. They are like family to me and are just beautiful people."