West Shore Medical Center offers comprehensive services to aid both inpatients and outpatients in recovery from ulcers, wounds, and surgical procedures. Wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) services include detailed assessments, treatment plans developed for the individual patient, and monitoring during follow-up care.

Counseling and specialized care are offered for the active person with a new or existing colostomy or ileostomy, as well as long-time ostomy patients. Services include pre- and post-operative education, appliance fitting, and skin problem management. In addition to the physical care provided, intensive emotional support is offered so patients can return to normal daily lives.

People experiencing chronic wounds including diabetic and pressure ulcers, burns, surgical incisions, or trauma wounds will benefit from the latest knowledge and treatment options for wound care. Advanced clinical skills, including sharp, chemical, and mechanical debridement and topical therapies, are used individually or in combination to treat complex cases.

Specialized Training and Experience
West Shore’s WOC services are provided through Sue Champion, R.N., B.S.N., C.W.O.C.N. In addition to her nearly 20 years of experience in a wide range of hospital nursing positions, Champion participated in an eight-week program at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas in Houston, Texas, and successfully completed certification exams for wound, ostomy, continence nursing.

This advanced nursing program is recognized internationally and prepares graduates for the national certification examination of the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society.

Also part of West Shore's WOC treatment team are nurses certified by the National Alliance of Wound Care. Patient care is coordinated between the nursing and rehabilitation experts to provide comprehensive assessments, advance treatment, and compassionate counseling needed by the individual patient.

Wound, ostomy, and continence services are provided at West Shore Medical Center on an inpatient and outpatient basis. A physician referral is required, and Medicare and many other insurances are accepted.

To learn more about West Shore Medical Center’s wound, ostomy, and continence services, call (231) 398-1328 or talk with your healthcare provider.