Several types of wounds can occur across the lifespan. These can be acute (lasting over several weeks) or chronic (lasting over months). Chronic wounds that don’t heal on their own need specialty wound care.

Wounds go through several stages to mend on their own. Initially blood will clot over the wound, and the body will use its defenses to clean the wound to protect the site from germs. The defensive/inflammatory phase, which lasts between four and six days, comes next. During this phase, bacteria is destroyed, and any debris is removed so new tissue can grow at the wound site.

The third phase, the proliferative phase, features three distinct stages: 1) filling the wound; 2) contraction of the wound edges; and 3) covering the wound (epithelialization). Blood vessels bring oxygen-rich blood to the area to promote healing, and damaged tissue regrows.

During the last phase, called maturation, the injured area regrows skin, remodels and increases tissue strength.

The healing process normally takes a few weeks, but many factors — including infection, nutrition, diabetes, poor circulation, smoking and some medications — can delay the process.

If a wound has failed to heal after four weeks, it may be time to seek help from the Comprehensive Wound Center at Central Maine Medical Center or one of its satellite locations at Rumford Hospital or Bridgton Hospital. Our wound centers provide specialized care and treatment not typically offered at a primary care office. This care is provided by wound  and ostomy certified nurse practitioners  and nurses.

Wound Care Services Available From Central Maine Healthcare

Central Maine Healthcare wound care experts offer evaluation and treatment for all types of wounds, including those related to surgery, trauma or diabetes, as well as venous and arterial wounds. We also provide pre- and post-surgical care, education, and support to patients undergoing ostomy surgery.

Central Maine Healthcare’s team of certified wound and ostomy nurses and nurse practitioners will assess your wound and develop an individual treatment plan taking into account all factors that may be impacting your healing. Depending on the type of therapy needed, you may need to visit the clinic on a weekly basis until your condition improves. Your provider will give you guidance for at-home wound care in between visits and will collaborate with home health services if needed.

Along with physical aspects of care, Central Maine Healthcare’s wound care team members provide emotional and social support. A serious, non-healing wound can be a life-altering event, and we offer compassion while helping patients manage their injury or health condition

Why Choose Central Maine Healthcare for Wound Care?

The Comprehensive Wound Center at Central Maine Medical Center provides patients with advanced wound treatment close to home. With satellite clinics in Bridgton and Rumford, there is no need to travel far to receive comprehensive and compassionate care for wounds or ostomies.

Our team includes nurses and advanced practice nurses who have Wound, Ostomy and Continence certification. With a combined 20+ years of wound and ostomy experience, our team is skilled at helping you heal.

When your care needs the collaboration of other medical specialists, our relationship with other specialty healthcare providers allows us to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Our clinic experts work together with other specialists to offer patients a comprehensive treatment plan. We often collaborate during your appointment with providers from other specialties, such as infectious disease; oncology; vascular, general and plastic surgery; and physical and occupational therapy services. This collaborative approach can help you achieve your treatment goals.