It is similar to a big tanning bed, but this machine has the power to heal.

In April, the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine program began at Newberry Hospital.

Many of the patients that go to the Wound Care Center are over the age of 65 and have chronic wounds that will not heal. This is a frequent concern for diabetics, a statistically high group of people in the Southeast, and in Newberry County.

About 15 percent of the patients that come to the center are candidates for the hyperbaric chamber.

The hyperbaric chamber is filled with high levels of oxygen, helping the wounds to heal.

The big domed machine is not loud like some X-ray machines. Treatments last about two hours and patients receive treatments five days a week for six to eight weeks.

To reduce boredom for those lying in the machine, a television is positioned just right for those in the chamber.

However, patients must wear special gowns and cover with provided blankets while inside.

The healing therapy is covered by most insurance.

For patients that do not fit the criteria to be healed in the hybaric chamber, other methods are applied to the injured skin. The coordinated use of surgical debridement, special dressings, skin substitutes, non-invasive arterial studies and other specialized therapies have proved to be highly effective in reducing the healing time and attaining positive outcomes with chronic wounds, said Medical Director Dr. Mike White, who is partnering with Dr. John Brown on the new endeavor.

“Our focus is on the wound while the patient still receives treatment for other conditions from their primary care providers,” says White.

Patients can be refereed to the program by a doctor or home health or without a referral.

The new facility is located next to the Newberry County Memorial Hospital at 1830 Pond Field Road, Suite A-2 in Newberry.

For appointments or information about the new services call Office Manager Missy Cook at 405-7230.