Amy Mullins, RN, always had a special interest in wound care. When she went back to work on her master's degree to become a nurse practitioner, wound care became central to her work.

"As part of the program, one of our assignments was to write a business plan. I focused on wound care and opening a center," says Mullins. "I happened to have this idea about the same time interest in wound care was growing around BJC."

The idea came to life at Parkland Health Center in June 2006 when the Wound Care Center opened. The center is staffed by Mullins, who is the nurse coordinator, Debbie Dalton, RN, Jo Beth Coale, RN, Brian Gallagher, MD, one of two surgeons at PHC, and Charlotte Wakefield, secretary. The Center specializes in treating wounds due to diabetes, injury or surgery.

When the Center first opened, it was a single room.

"We had ladies lined up in the hallway," says Mullins. "It was a fun time when we were small, but I am glad we've been able to expand."

In February, the Wound Care Center expanded to three treatment rooms. Services include:

• Diabetic foot callous and ulcer care
• Referrals for custom shoes and support wear
• Healing of traumatic wounds
• Management of infection and tissue repair
• Burn repair and grafting
• Diagnosing vascular ulcers
• Education for wound care and home management
• Coordinating home health, physical and occupational therapy, specialized medical equipment or hospice

"We are averaging about 60 patients a week. They are 13 to 99," says Mullins. "With wound care you don't get better in one to two visits. This is an invaluable service for our families and community."

Soon, the Center will add a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. During hyperbaric oxygen therapy, patients are put in a pressurized chamber of 100 percent oxygen. The therapy quickly delivers high concentrations of oxygen to the bloodstream, assists in healing wounds and is effective in fighting certain types of infections. It also stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, improves circulation and speeds the healing process. Patients who use this treatment typically require it five times a week and the nearest chamber to PHC is 75 miles away.