At Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital-Westborough Mission Statement The Mission of The Wound Center at Whittier is to provide patient-focused, scientifically and technologically advanced comprehensive wound management services through an interdisciplinary approach to wound care. • The goal of the clinic is to facilitate efficient and effective wound healing whenever possible with an ultimate goal of maximizing the quality of life and functional performance of individuals with wounds. How We Can Help We provide advanced wound management modalities through an interdisciplinary team approach to care that is unique to our program: • MIST TM Ultrasound - an exciting treatment approved by the FDA in May of 2005. It is a low frequency ultrasound treatment to wound tissues using saline mist as its delivery vehicle that promotes wound healing by addressing the critical elements of wound healing. This modality specifically promotes healing by improving cell permeability of nutrients and oxygen. The clinical results are amazing—randomized clinical trials show a healing rate among diabetic foot ulcers at 40% vs 14% in the sham arm. • Infrared Therapy - MIRE (infrared) is a useful modality that has the only FDA approved indication to treat the painful disease of diabetic neuropathy, as well as a wound indication. Commonly treated conditions would be: Venous ulcerations in patients with venous insufficiency, arterial ulcers in patients with blood flow issues, and pressure ulcers in pt's who have incurred injuries to the skin during medical/surgical illnesses or other debilitating illnesses effecting their ability to move (decreased mobility) • Vac Dressing We have adjunct services to meet the total wound care needs of our patients that are also considered as part of a comprehensive wound care plan: orthotist consults, vascular consults, dermatology consults, seating and positioning clinic, podiatrist, physical therapy, occupational therapy and nutritional referrals . Treatment Program The type and severity of the wound determine the individualized wound treatment methods. The Wound Center at Whittier treats the following types of wounds: • Diabetic Ulcers • Leg & Foot Ulcers • Pressure Ulcers (bed sores) • Open Surgical Wounds • Traumatic Wounds • Other Chronic Wounds Treatment at The Wound Center at Whittier begins with an initial wound evaluation, a medical history and general health assessment to identify any underlying disease factors. Blood tests and other special tests that provide information about the flow of blood and oxygen to the wound may also be recommended and can be provided onsite at Whittier. The care of plan may include: • Conventional and Advanced Wound Dressings • Wound Debridement • Antibiotic Therapy • Education/Prevention • Nutritional Counseling • Advanced Modalities • Anodyne Therapy • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Pain Management Program Objectives •To provide a multi-disciplinary approach towards pain management for the wound care patient. •To provide a specialized outpatient program that effectively and efficiently manages patients with non-healing wounds. •To provide comprehensive, integrated wound care services through an interdisciplinary approach to wound care. •To coordinate services across settings to include specialty medical, home health, nutritional services and other services as appropriate. •To provide education which assists patients and caregivers to gain knowledge and skills to meet the patient’s ongoing needs as relates to skin and wound management. •To promote the involvement of patients and caregivers in their wound management plans of care. •To individualize patient services to promote maximum functional recovery. •To provide a wound care program that continuously evaluates care and identifies opportunities for performance improvement. •To maintain highly qualified staff through participation in ongoing education and competency verification according to facility and licensure standards. Your Treatment Team Whittier Wound Center experts in the care of individuals with chronic wounds will provide your care. The Wound Center staff will coordinate your treatment plan with your primary care physician who will continue to manage your overall medical care. Your treatment team includes Physicians, Nurses, Physical Therapists, and Occupational Therapists. Jay Turchetta, M.D.-Medical Director / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation A graduate of Boston College, Dr. Turchetta received a Masters of Physiology from Georgetown University and his Doctor of Medicine from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Washington in Seattle. Fatima (Benny) Rocadas,BSN; RN,C; CRRN; CWS A graduate of Registered Nursing in Azores, Portugal, Benny obtained her Massachusetts RN License in 1994 and has worked at WRH since 1998.  While at WRH, Benny has obtained certification in Rehab Nursing, Gerontological Nursing and Wound Care Specialty.  Benny has been the inpatient wound care nurse at WRH since 1998 and now will utilize her skills in The Wound Center at Whittier. Dan Doherty, OTR/L-Director of Rehabilitation Dan Doherty is a 1995 Graduate of the University of New Hampshire and has been with Whittier for the past 8 years. He has 10 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in both inpatient and outpatient. Recognition & Accreditation • Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) • Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission (CARF) -Comprehensive Integrated Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation Programs Insurance Plans The Wound Center at Whittier accepts Medicare, MassHealth and many commercial insurances. We are also a contracted provider for several HMOs. When you call to arrange your initial visit, our staff will answer questions on insurance eligibility and help in making the necessary arrangements with your insurance company. Making an Appointment To make a referral to The Wound Center at Whittier please call our outpatient department at : (508) 871-2077 For a printable pdf version of this information please click this link.