Huron Regional Medical Center

www.huronregional.org wellone CONNECTION 3 HURON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IS RENOVATING ITS MATERNITY SPACE TO ENHANCE THE OVERALL EXPERIENCE FOR NEW MOTHERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. EXPERIENCE FOR EGIONAL MEDICAL EDICAL TO EN ENH Families More Room for LYMPHEDEMA THERAPY Offers Hope for Patients PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM LYMPHEDEMA NOW HAVE A LOCAL OPTION FOR TREATMENT AT HURON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER. LYMPHEDEMA, A CONDITION marked by swelling of the arms, legs, head or neck, is typically due to damage to the lymphatic system, which causes lymph fluid to build up in tissues. Lymphedema may occur due to cancer, cancer treatment, surgery, injury, infection or as a complication from other medical conditions. Although there is no cure, lymphedema therapy can help patients manage their symptoms. "Since lymphedema gets worse over time, patients tend to live with discomfort for a long time until they finally find relief through this therapy," says Amanda Sneed, HRMC physical therapist certified in lymphedema therapy. "The gold standard for lymphedema treatment is complete decongestive therapy, and that's what we now offer at HRMC." Lymphedema therapy is a noninvasive treatment that includes four techniques: • Manual lymph drainage, a massage technique, reroutes the lymph fluid. • Compression bandaging keeps the fluid out of the affected limbs. • Skin care combats possible skin breakdowns, infections and wounds. • Exercises work the muscles in the affected limbs, which pump fluids out. "Lymphedema therapy can last from three to six weeks, but may last longer depending on severity, and typically involves daily education and therapy sessions," explains Amber Perrenoud, an HRMC occupational therapist certified in lymphedema therapy. "Patients with lymphedema can greatly relieve their discomfort, swelling and loss of mobility by continuing to practice the techniques they learn during therapy sessions." ■ Lymphedema therapy is covered by Medicare and most commercial insurances. Formore information, call HRMC's wound care services department at (605) 353-6252 orvisit www.huronregional.org/services/rehabilitation. Amber Perrenoud, Occupational Therapist Amanda Sneed, PhysicalTherapist OUTGROWING OUR CURRENT SPACE is a good problem, says Rebecca Jones, RN-BSN, CLC, patient experience coordinator for labor and delivery at HRMC. "We learned from patient feedback that our current labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum rooms were a good size, but that we just needed more of them," Jones says. "New rooms will include a large whirlpool tub and a walk-in shower, giving patients more options." Other new features include a family area, larger televisions and more storage for personal belongings and gifts. In total, four new rooms will be added. This family focus extends beyond our suites and into our family waiting area, where older siblings have their own space to play. Additionally, an open nourishment area provides our guests easy access to water, coffee and snacks. For mothers with infants who may need to remain in the nursery for observation, we've included privacy rooms for enhanced bonding. "Our hope is that patients will enjoy our more family-friendly space, where function meets practical needs and allows for the best possible care," says Jones, who eagerly awaits the end of 2018, when renovations are planned to be finished. ■ To learn more about our maternity department or schedule a visit, call(605)353-6251. Visit huronregional.org/girltalk to follow the renovation progress. Approximately 350 babies are born at HRMC annually.

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