Mercy Health Report - July 2011 - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

When it comes to healing wounds, Mercy St. Mary's Hyperbaric Therpay Unit is taking it to a whole new level.

Ralph Rayborn is getting ready to take a dive, but not underwater. He's getting treatment for a diabetic wound that wasn't healing. He's seen results in just one month.

"Basically what we're doing is hyperoxygenating the bloodstream to get more oxygen to whatever part of the body we're trying to heal," said Vaughan Hall, MD, medical director of the HBOT program at Mercy St. Mary's.

Dr. Hall says Mercy's unit is unlike any in East Tennessee. It seats up to 10 patients who can read, watch a movie or talk during the two-hour treatment. An emergency technician is with them at all times.

"This is so unusual to have a therapy that is so effective and yet so safe," said Dr. Hall.

Hyperbaric oxygen is used mostly for diabetic wounds and radiation burns, however the future may include other treatments.

"It's pretty remarkable that you can go sit in a room, breathe oxygen and heal your wounds," said Dr. Hall.

For more information call (865) 632-5200 or log on to www.mercy.com

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• Lisa Stearns

[lrmrgn9]

My Mother is doing this treatment with Dr. Hall and his staff.She's been going about a month now to treat radiation burn.It has already made a BIG differance in her life,not only the treatment,but the staff is AWESOME!!!!!!! I greatly appreciate and admire each and everyone there. They care deeply about every one in their care.They go above and beyond not only to the patients but also the families.Thank you Dr.Hall,Sherry,Charlie,John,Ga­ry and Scott for taking such good care of my Mother.