Recognized for Excellence, Remembered for Heart

After three weeks of radiation treatment for skin cancer on her shin, April Ford developed an open wound that wasn’t healing. This is not uncommon, but because the lesion was gradually growing, April, a resident of Friday Harbor, was referred to Island Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine Center.

April was given two rounds of antibiotics at the emergency clinic in Friday Harbor to keep the infection under control until she could start what would become a 60-treatment regimen of hyperbaric oxygen dives (HBO).

“It’s quite a commitment,” said Marilyn Brown, Director of Island Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine.

For three months, April took the ferry to Fidalgo Island and stayed in a motel so she could spend time in the chamber daily, five days each week. These chamber “dives” can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the patient and condition of the wound. The pressure chamber delivers 100% oxygen into the tissues, allowing the body to heal internally through enhanced oxygen absorption.

April said from the moment she walked into the clinic, it was clear that everyone was there to serve and care for her.

“From the first appointment, I reveled in the outgoing compassion the staff showed in ministering to my wound—and to the dejected outlook I had developed.”

Wound Care Medical Director Dr. Perry Burrus was attentive and instilled confidence in April—not only through his medical expertise and experience, but also through his warmth and empathy.

“Wound care is a serious and personal process, and we are committed to meeting our patients’ individual needs,” Burrus said.

April’s wound has greatly improved. She continues weekly visits for wound care, which includes dressing changes and other treatments, such as collagen and advanced biologic dressing.

April is beyond grateful for the excellent medical care she’s received, but also for the compassionate support from the wonderful nurses and coordinating staff that lifted her spirits along the way.

Learn more about Island Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine at islandhealth.org/wound or call 360.899.4600.