When someone is discharged from hospital following surgery, they often have specialized care requirements for the resulting wound area – requirements the person may not have capacity to care for themselves.
It was with that need in mind that Snohomish Health & Rehabilitation of Cascadia launched its specialized complex wound care program for Snohomish County, offering patient-centered care that enhances patient outcomes and supports the broader healthcare community.
Meeting a critical community need
The wound care program addresses a significant gap in local healthcare services, says Zach Jackson, CEO of Snohomish Health & Rehabilitation of Cascadia.
“There’s a substantial need in this area; we’re the only facility in Snohomish County offering such a program,” he notes.
With local hospitals experiencing high demand, this program helps ease the burden by providing specialized post-hospital care for patients requiring intensive wound management.
The program is designed to augment the standard of care beyond traditional nursing facilities. It includes increased training for nursing and other staff members, with various therapy modalities and interventions. Therapists are actively involved in the treatment process, for a multidisciplinary approach to wound management.
The COVID-19 pandemic has strained healthcare systems, leading to challenges in patient discharges and increased demand for home health services.
“During COVID, discharges became harder to manage, creating a backlog and longer wait times,” Jackson explains. “Skilled nursing facilities are extensions of hospitals, and it’s crucial they step up to alleviate these pressures.”
Beyond patient care, the program fosters relationships within the community. A coming open house aims to involve local leaders to help form a nursing care alliance. This initiative seeks to enhance collaboration across the entire continuum of care.
Jackson’s motivation stems from both personal and professional commitments to healthcare. “Professionally, nursing often doesn’t receive positive recognition. We have an opportunity to showcase high-quality care and improve perceptions,” he says.
For more information, visit snohomishrehabofcascadia.com.
