Methodist Hospitals marked a significant milestone on Wednesday, August 14 with the grand opening of its newly relocated Wound Treatment Center at the Southlake Campus at Pavilion D. The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks from hospital leadership and local community figures, highlighting the center's importance to patient care in Northwest Indiana.
Matt Doyle, president and CEO of Methodist Hospitals, expressed pride in unveiling the Wound Care Center at the Southlake Campus. He emphasized the importance of the new location, which offers easier access for patients who face difficulties with mobility.
“This facility was located on our fourth floor inside of the campus, so by moving it to this location, having this entire facility here in Pavilion D provides a very convenient location from a parking and entry standpoint for our patients who sometimes can be challenged with movement,” Doyle said.
During the event, attendees were given the opportunity to tour the Wound Treatment Center, providing an up-close look at the state-of-the-art patient treatment rooms including the hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers. The staff demonstrated how hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be a front-line treatment to alleviate the late effects of radiation-damaged tissues, addressing both soft tissue and bony necrosis. This tour offered guests valuable insight into the advanced technologies and comprehensive care available at the center, showcasing its potential to significantly enhance patient outcomes.
Deann Patena, president and CEO of Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that the new Wound Treatment Center is a strong commitment to the community's health and well-being. She highlighted the hospital's role as a cornerstone of care in Merrillville, noting the center's dedication to providing advanced, specialized treatments.
“Today, Methodist Hospitals took another significant step forward in its mission,” Patena said. “The wound treatment center will not only provide advanced, specialized care to those in need, but it will also underscore Methodist’s dedication to serving our neighbors with the highest standards of health care. The center is a testament to the strength of our community and our collective effort to ensure that everyone has access to the care they deserve.”
Dr. Linda Stewart, with 20 years of wound care experience, shares that she and the Wound Treatment Center staff deeply care for their patients, often forming close relationships over weeks of treatment. She believes that working there requires a genuine passion for the job.
“We really love our patients, and our patients love us back; we always take really good care of them,” Stewart said. “It's not like we have a patient for just one day or one week. We usually have them for weeks before they're healed, and we know all about them and all about their families. You can't work here unless you really love what you do, and we all have our calling in life.”
As the event concluded, the focus remained on the center's potential to enhance patient care in the Region. Research indicates that only ten percent of people with chronic wounds receive treatment at a wound care center. The Wound Treatment Center at Methodist Hospitals represents a significant step toward improving that percentage within Northwest Indiana by providing accessible, specialized treatment for patients with non healing wounds. With advanced technology and a dedicated team, the center is well-positioned to address complex medical needs, aiming to improve outcomes and support the well-being of the community.
For more information on the newly relocated Wound Treatment Center at Methodist Hospital, visit methodisthospitals.org/services/wound-care/.