Thursday, July 28, 2016

Preston Memorial Hospital Offers Transitional Care

Moving a loved one from one facility to another can be stressful. Fortunately, transitional care is now advancing and offering patients an easy move from one health care setting to another.  At Preston Memorial Hospital, we are pleased to feature our Transitional Care Program that acts as a bridge for patients moving from one facility to the next.

Our Transitional Care Program provides an alternative to prolonged acute hospitalization or short-term nursing placement for post-acute extended care. This program provides skilled nursing care and rehabilitation including IV therapy, medication management, therapy services and more. As a hospital-based program, Transitional Care patients never have to worry with our 24-hour nursing staff, in-house therapists, pharmacy and emergency services.

The team at Preston Memorial Hospital’s Transitional Care Program follows a specialized plan that helps each individual patient achieve and maintain their optimum level of independent functioning. Our team consists of hospital-based providers, physicians, skilled nursing staff, case managers, activities coordinators, physical, occupational, respiratory and speech therapists, a dietician, and other professional referrals as needed.

In order to qualify for the Transitional Care Program, a patient must meet the following requirements:
  •  Be covered by Medicare Part A (or have another insurance plan that covers this service).
  •  Have had 3 overnights in an acute care bed prior to utilizing the Transitional Care services.
  • Have an ongoing diagnosis and needs that require skilled care as defined by Medicare.

Common diagnoses treated in this program include patients with extended IV therapy needs, orthopedic surgeries like hip or knee replacements, fractures, post-surgical procedures, neurological disorders, and generalized weakness due to chronic conditions.

While the length of stay in our Transitional Care Program is dependent on each individual patient’s needs and progress, the average length of stay is 5 to 10 days.  This program is not intended for a permanent placement but rather a place for continued care until the patient returns home or to a facility for longer-term care.


If you or a loved one is in need of a transitional care as you move from one healthcare setting to another, contact Preston Memorial Hospital. While the transition may be difficult, our caring staff and dedicated team are happy to bridge the gap between hospital and home. To learn more about the Transitional Care Program available at Preston Memorial Hospital, visit our website or call (304) 329-1400.

Monday, July 18, 2016

Preston Memorial’s Wound Healing Center

Summer is an active time of year, which means not only more fun but also more opportunities for injury. If you happen to suffer from a wound, come to Preston Memorial Hospital’s Wound Healing Center. The staff of the Wound Healing Center consists of providers trained specifically in wound healing techniques. We work to educate you on why you have a non-healing wound, what both you and our team needs to do to heal it, and what you can do to prevent future problems.

Here are some frequently asked questions about our Wound Healing Center:

Why should I go the Wound Healing Center?
Wound Healing CenterAll wounds do not heal the same. Preston Memorial Wound Healing Center has staff specially trained in treating difficult to heal wounds. We know what to expect and what to do when healing does not happen as anticipated. We offer you the best chance of closing your wounds. We work closely with our patients and their Primary Care Providers to determine the reason that you have a difficult wound and why it isn’t healing. We will then work together as a team to implement the best healing techniques to close your wound.

What will be done at the Wound Healing Center?
Once we determine the cause of your wound, we can decide the best course of therapy. The initial workup may include examination, x-rays or bone scan, blood work, bedside testing. You will have a periodic return appointment so that we may follow the progress of your wound and change the treatment as needed. We will help you make arrangements for care at home that will include family members and/or friends. When the extent of home care is too much for you or your family, we can help to arrange home nursing care.

Do I have to go to the Center every day?
All wounds are different and have different needs. Most patients with wounds require an initial evaluation and then follow up visits. The follow up visits may be weekly, bi weekly, or even monthly. We will work with you to develop a plan that fits your lifestyle and needs.

Do I need a referral?
Most insurance carriers do not require a referral for wound care. If you have any concerns, you can contact your insurance company and inquire. If you do need a referral we will work with you to obtain it so that we can get started healing your wound.

If you have a wound that’s having trouble healing, come to the Wound Healing Center at Preston Memorial Hospital. You can learn more about us here, including types of wounds we treat and the services we offer.