The EUC healthcare group has already opened five Chronic Wound Healing Centres for the treatment of varicose ulcers, decubitus ulcers and post-operative wounds

The treatment of chronic wounds requires long-term care, usually for more than a month. The specialists at the centres focus primarily on treating varicose ulcers, decubitus ulcers, so-called “paper skin” disorders and chronic post-operative wounds.

One of the primary objectives at the Chronic Wound Healing Centres is to teach patients how to properly take care of their wounds. The Prague Centre is no different in this respect. “There are several reasons why wounds may heal poorly. This is frequently due to inadequate and improper hygiene, when patients inadvertently introduce bacteria into a wound. Another reason is, for example, failure to remove the dressing from the wound. However, frequent or, conversely, less frequent wound dressing can also be a cause. Therefore, it is necessary that patients visit the Centre at least two to three times a week at the beginning of treatment. They will learn to properly take care their wounds in sterile conditions and to use appropriate medical devices. Together, we will thus prevent possible unwanted complications,” explains David Škarda, DiS., manager of the EUC healthcare group’s Chronic Wound Healing Centres.

Another major benefit is the individualisation of treatment, thanks to which doctors are better able to plan the effectiveness of therapy. During the first visit, the patient undergoes a complete physical examination, including a detailed description of the wound, laboratory tests and even an imaging examination. If wounds occur on the lower limbs, an examination of the quality of the vascular supply to the given limb is then carried out.

“In order for us to provide patients with the best possible care, it is necessary that we uncover the primary cause of chronic wounds. Among other reasons, this is why it is essential to have comprehensive interdisciplinary cooperation between our doctors, including specialists,” says MUDr. Tomáš Pospíšil, surgeon and guarantor of the Chronic Wound Healing Centre at the EUC Clinic Prague– Šustova, adding: “Thanks to the close cooperation of our team of doctors, we are able to tailor individual care for each patient. We not only treat wounds, but also the patient’s underlying illness. Simply said, we treat the disease that caused the chronic wound in the first place. Of course, we then focus on treatment of the chronic wound itself.”

Patients can go to the Chronic Wound Healing Centres at EUC clinics based on their own decision, though they very often make appointments at the recommendation of a doctor at a hospital or other outpatient facility. The cost of treatment is covered by public health insurance.

Chronic Wound Healing Centres are currently in operation at EUC clinics in Plzeň, České Budějovice, Ostrava and Přelouč. 

After Prague, the EUC healthcare group is planning to open another Chronic Wound Healing Centre in Kladno in May 2023.