Wound Ostomy Services Available at Brookings Health System

Brookings Health System now offers wound and ostomy care to treat patients with wounds cause by medical treatments, disease or injuries; or patients with ostomies, surgical openings that allow for the elimination of bodily waste.

Services are provided by a certified wound ostomy nurse (CWON) who may help care for patients admitted to the hospital or seen on an outpatient basis. Home health eligible patients may also have a CWON visit in the home.

“Studies show that wounds heal faster when a wound nurse is involved in patient care,” said Chief Nursing Officer Tammy Hillestad. “By offering the skill of a wound ostomy nurse, we’re giving patients with chronic or acute wounds a local, convenient resource to aid healing.”

For wound care, a CWON assesses and determines the cause of a wound, identifies appropriate treatment options, and develops wound care plans. A CWON can also introduce techniques to prevent skin breakdown and help wounds, abscesses and feeding tube sites quickly heal.

For ostomy care, a CWON evaluates and recommends pouching systems that provide containment and security and develops individual rehabilitation plans for patients.

Wound ostomy services also educate patients and family members on self-care techniques, prevention and strategies to optimize healing. A CWON can also assist with problem solving and coordinating patient supplies for both wounds and ostomies.

A physician referral is required for wound and ostomy care. For more information, please call (605) 696-8888 or visit www.brookingshealth.org/Wound.

About Brookings Health System

Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, a 79-bed The Neighborhoods at Brookview nursing home, Brookhaven Estates senior living apartments, Yorkshire Eye Clinic, Arlington Medical Center and White Medical Clinic. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, surgical and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.