Dr. Robert Henderson of Campbellford Memorial Hospital has requested Susan Cymbaluk, registered nurse at Burnbrae Gardens assist and recommend treatment for some of the patients. Susan has taken several wound care courses and will soon be certified beyond a generalist level.

“I think it’s just marvelous,” says Mary Anne Greco, administrator of the long-term care home.

She says it increases the profile of long-term care in the community, while at the same time, recognizes a staff member’s achievement. Dr. Henderson is Burnbrae Gardens’ advisory physician.

Susan says she was surprised when Dr. Henderson approached her and believes the opportunity will be a positive one.

“He has seen the successes we’ve had here,” she says.

“Based on that, he’s asked me to have a look.” Since taking training through the college and a week-long course through medical supply company Smith and Nephew, Susan has introduced what she has learned to fellow staff members at the home.

“It’s a whole approach to wound care,” says Susan. “It’s not just a nurse putting a dressing on. You look at the whole person.”

The broader approach to wound care involves consulting with other department heads. For example, she checks with nutritional care to ensure the resident has enough protein in his or her diet to facilitate healing or whether a diabetic resident is following an appropriate diet.

It may involve consulting with the physiotherapist about whether a new mattress could help a resident. It also involves checking with the physician about other diagnoses “that might contribute to skin issues,” Susan says.

Susan says it’s a preventative approach. Through her training she’s also learned more about the appropriate products to treat certain wounds.

“We’ve certainly seen a decrease in the severity of the wounds and a decrease in the number of wounds.” Susan says the residents are more comfortable too.

“They’re not confined to bed or lengthy dressing changes. Doing a lot of preventative medication makes their quality of life much better.”

Susan is awaiting more details about her work with the hospital.