Knox Community Hospital expands Center for Wound Healing with new technology

The Knox Community Hospital community came together on October 17 to celebrate the ribbon cutting and open house at The Center for Wound Healing, located on the first floor of the Knox Medical Pavilion in Suite 1C. The event marked the official completion of the center’s expansion, which now includes additional treatment space and the installation of two new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy chambers.

Welcoming guests and community members were Vicki Kildoo, clinical program director; Tony McCutcheon, director of operation for Healogics; and Autumn Buchholz-Crunkilton, LPN, HBO safety director. They were joined by a dedicated team of compassionate staff members who guided visitors through the expanded space and introduced the advanced services now available. The Knox County Chamber of Commerce was also present to recognize the milestone and highlight the center’s role in bringing specialized healthcare to the region.

The expansion reflects the center’s mission to provide advanced care for individuals with chronic or complex wounds. The Center for Wound Healing combines state-of-the-art clinical tools with established medical practices to improve patient outcomes. With a team that collectively brings more than 50 years of clinical experience, the staff offers comprehensive wound care services designed to help patients regain quality of life through effective healing.

The clinical team includes Dr. Thomas McKinley, MD, Internal Medicine; Dr. Abigail Elliott, DPM, AACFAS, Podiatry; Dr. Michael L. Casteel, DPM, FACPM, Podiatry; and Dr. Sunil Bhat, MD, Infectious Disease. Advanced practice providers include Kim Cullers, APRN-CNP, and Nichole Shriver, APRN-CNP, both Certified Nurse Practitioners. Together, this team provides a broad range of expertise to diagnose, manage, and treat wounds of varying complexities.

Patients do not need a physician referral to schedule an appointment at the center. Individuals who may benefit include those with wounds that have not begun to heal within two weeks or have not fully healed within six weeks. Common conditions treated at the center include diabetic ulcers, neuropathic ulcers, pressure ulcers, ischemic ulcers, venous insufficiency, traumatic or surgical wounds, vasculitis, burns, peristomal skin irritations, and other chronic or non-healing wounds. Appointments can be made by calling 740-393-4325, option 1. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

A highlight of the expansion is the addition of two Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy chambers. HBOT is a medically recognized treatment that increases the amount of oxygen blood cells can carry. During treatment, patients rest on a stretcher inside a clear acrylic chamber, which is pressurized to allow breathing of 100 percent oxygen. The additional oxygen is carried by the blood to injured tissues, significantly improving healing in areas deprived of adequate oxygen. Patients can watch TV or movies during the session, and the treatment is not painful. HBOT has been used for more than 70 years to promote healing for certain chronic wounds and related conditions, and numerous studies confirm its benefits in appropriate cases.

The Center for Wound Healing is a specialized outpatient service managed by Healogics, a national provider of advanced wound care services. This partnership allows the Knox Community Hospital to combine its local presence with Healogics’ expertise and network, ensuring patients in the community have access to the latest evidence-based wound care.

Reflecting on the importance of wound care in the community, Clinical Program Director Vicki Kildoo stated, “There are 6.7 million people living with a chronic wound in the U.S. That equates to 1 out of 4 people have a wound. Our center is projected to see over 500 of those people within our community.”

The ribbon cutting and open house underscored the center’s mission to deliver advanced healing to those who need it most. With its expansion complete and two new HBOT chambers in place, the Center for Wound Healing at Knox Community Hospital is prepared to continue serving as a vital resource for patients across the region.