www . unioncountymag . com � 10th Anniversary
Summer 2022 � Union County GA Magazine � Page 11
Union General Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center
Wounds are a normal part of life . Wounds are an injury to living tissue caused by a cut , blow or other impact , typically when the skin is cut or broken .
Wounds can originate from several things such as trauma , punctures , abrasions , burns and lacerations , to name a few .
There are many types of wounds that can damage the skin including punctures , abrasions , lacerations and penetrating wounds . Typically most wounds heal . But there are some wounds that hang around longer than they should . When that happens , special treatment is needed .
Jenny Gutierrez , RN , BSN has been the Director of Wound Care & Hyperbaric Therapy at Union General Hospital since 2016 , when it opened .
“ I consider my position a blessing . We are happy to serve the community with a much needed service ,” said Jenny .
Union General wound Care has the areas only Wound care certified providers Dr . Dana Conner , MD and Bernadette Shilling , PA .
The staff consist of a director , medical director , physician assistant , wound care nurses , hyperbaric technicians and front office coordinators .
By Norm Cooper Editor , Union County GA Magazine
The department has had an exceptional rate of success , currently seeing about 40 patients each day .
“ Anything that has not healed in a reasonable amount of time we treat ,” said Jenny .
The purpose of medical care for wounds is to prevent complications .
“ Wounds happen to people of all ages ,” said Gutierrez .
Jenny wears two hats at the same time , running and managing the clinic and performing wound care with assessments , care , dressings and changes .
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is part of the treatment process for many . It involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber .
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a well-established treatment for decompression sickness , a hazard of scuba diving .
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is also used for serious infections , bubbles of air in blood vessels , carbon monoxide poisoning , and late effects of radiation .
In a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber , the air pressure is increased to three times higher than normal air pressure . Under
these conditions , lungs can gather more oxygen than would be possible breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure .
“ Hyperbaric therapy is adjunct to our wound care ,” said Jenny .
The patient is placed in a large chamber with a clear cover to allow them to look out and allow the technician to observe the patient .
“ It is oxygen under pressure in your system ,” said Jenny . “ It helps the body build new capillaries and gets oxygen to the tissue to aid in the healing process .”
Most patients do not need a referral to be seen . Most insurance covers the treatment when there is a referral from a primary care doctor .
Personal relationships are important since the typical visit is about an hour long and there are numerous visits required .
“ We pride ourselves on good relationships with our patients ,” said Jenny . “ That is one of our big things . We want the wounds to heal and patients become part of our family when
Wound Care & Hyperbaric Therapy Director , Jenny Gutierrez , RN , BSN at the entrance to the hallway where patients rooms are located
Photo / NormC they come here . We learn about people ’ s grand children and their dogs . We ’ ll tell you about our children . They become our friends .” Wound care is located on the second floor of Union General Hospital . 35 Hospital Road , Blairsville , GA 706-439-6896 www . UnionGeneralHealthSystem . com
LOGAN TURNPIKE MILL
Fresh Ground Grains PROCESSED LOCALLY in Blairsville , Georgia
Jerry L . Henderson
253 Hwy . 515 E Building 2 . Suite A Blairsville , GA 30512
Office Hours : Monday-Friday
8:30am to 5:30pm 706-745-4401
Mail : P . O . Box 1308 Blairsville , GA 30514-1308
George & Cecilia Holland , Owners www . LoganTurnpikeMill . com
Grits / Honey / Cornmeal / Mixes
12-A Town Square , Blairsville GA Tuesday - Saturday * 10am - 5 pm
1-800-84-GRITS ( 800-844-7487 ) Local : 706-745-5735
Local Made BBQ Sauce We offer Sauces , Gift Packages , Flour GRITS & PORRIDGE
Quailty STONE-GROUND Whole Grain Products