Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) announced today the MVHS Advanced Wound Care Center received accreditation from the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS). UHMS accreditation means the facility has met or exceeded the highest standards of care and patient safety through rigorous evaluation of operations including equipment, staff and training to ensure that the utmost quality is maintained within the specialty of undersea and hyperbaric medicine.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves the use of medical oxygen administered in a pressure chamber at levels higher than atmospheric pressure. This pressure helps oxygen dissolve more rapidly into the blood, advancing its absorption into damaged tissues to promote healing of wounds, serious infections, pressure-related scuba diving injuries, arterial gas embolism and other illnesses. A well-maintained chamber and trained support staff are essential in the daily operation of this important treatment adjunct.
“Achieving accreditation from UHMS is a tremendous accomplishment for our team and a reflection of the dedication we bring to our patients every day,” said Cheryl Palmer, NP, MVHS Advanced Wound Care Center. “This accreditation reinforces our commitment to providing safe, high-quality hyperbaric oxygen therapy and advanced wound care services to the patients and families we serve throughout our community.”
Participating in the UHMS accreditation program is voluntary and takes months of preparation. The MVHS team worked together prior to the accreditation survey to ensure compliance with UHMS-related standards of practice and safety measures. The survey team who visited the facility consisted of a physician, nurse and technician, all of whom specialize in hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Although their role included detailed queries, they came as colleagues in a specialty committed to success in achieving the highest standards in quality of care and safety for patients. The UHMS and its accredited facilities share the vision of helping facilities succeed in the field of hyperbaric medicine.
For more information, visit https://www.mvhealthsystem.org/advanced-wound-care/.
###
