Clinics conduct graduation ceremonies for patients ending treatment
Patients at the Franciscan Health Wound Healing and Prevention Institutes in Dyer and Munster now have a little something extra to look forward to at the end of their treatment.
Patients completing their course of treatment receive a graduation-themed gift and leave to the cheers of staff while “Pomp and Circumstance” plays. Elizabeth Wanicki, RN, said she got the idea for the graduation ceremonies from her days working in the neonatal intensive care unit, where they celebrated premature babies’ discharges with caps, gowns and playing “Pomp and Circumstance.”
“Our patients come to so many appointments and work so hard to get their wounds healed,” Wanicki said. “Some of them come for a few weeks, but some of them have complicated wounds that take months or even years to heal. We wanted some way to celebrate their achievement when they finally reached that point.”
Doctors at the clinics include general surgeons, podiatrists and infectious disease physicians who all bring their expertise to caring for patients with a variety of wounds. The clinics treat chronic wounds, diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, nonhealing surgical wounds, burns, trauma and some skin disorders.
Denice Chobanov Barsich, 68, of Crown Point, has been a patient at the Dyer clinic for several months. Barsich was a 35-year-old wife and mother of three young children in 1991 when she stopped to help a motorist who drove off the road and got stuck in the snow in Schererville. Barsich lost her right leg below the knee after being hit by a car as she tried to get the vehicle out of the snow.
She was recently fitted for a new prosthetic and thought it was uncomfortable after her fitting. When she got home and took it off, she discovered a deep wound on the side of her knee.
She saw several different doctors for months without success and was finally referred to the Franciscan Health Wound Healing & Prevention Institute Dyer, where staff said they could see her the same day.
“I walked in the door and I knew I was home,” Barsich said. “I look forward to seeing everyone here. Everyone is so gentle and kind.”
Barsich was given a wound pump to help the wound on her leg heal and allow her to wear a new prosthetic. She is using crutches in the interim.
“She is very enthusiastic and has a very positive attitude,” Dr. Albert Milford, DO, said. “She follows directions and is determined. It makes a world of difference in healing.”
Wanicki said she looks forward to being able to celebrate Barsich’s graduation from wound care soon, but will miss her.
“The best thing about this clinic is we see our patients often, so we get to know them, know a lot about their family, their interests,” Wanicki said. “They come back to visit a lot because they say they miss us.”
Patients may seek assistance with wound healing and prevention with the same staff at the two local Franciscan locations. The Franciscan Health Wound Healing & Prevention Institute Dyer is located at 24 Joliet St., Suite 401 and Franciscan Health Wound Care Munster is located at 701 Superior Ave.
More information about Franciscan wound care services is available online or by calling (219) 864-2654 for the Dyer location or (219) 933-2666 for the Munster location.
