The patient experience at The Grossman Burn Center at St. Luke’s Medical Center is unlike any other. If one of your loved ones suffers a burn injury in Phoenix, here’s what you can expect at our facilities…
Admittance to the Hospital Patients are typically brought directly to St. Luke’s Medical Center by an EMS crew. Some patients may be transferred from another Valley area hospital to St. Luke’s Medical Center for critical care. Because burns are progressive – that is to say, a first degree burn could turn into a third degree burn in the matter of just a few hours – time is of the essence. As soon as the patient is admitted to St. Luke’s Medical Center, he or she may receive treatment in either the outpatient burn clinic or The Grossman Burn Center at St. Luke’s Medical Center. Acute Care for Burn Victims It’s essential that burns are treated as quickly as possible. Immediate treatment reduces the risk of infection and improves the likelihood of a more desirable patient outcome. Once the patient has been stabilized, the burn care specialist typically takes a two stage surgical approach.
First, patients undergo a homograft procedure, in which tissue is applied to the burned skin area. This is a temporary, short-term fix that offers immediate protection for the burn area. Three days later, the burn care specialist may perform an autograft, which uses the patient’s own skin from a donor site. Autografts are permanent and can be used to treat second and third degree burns; they are also used in reconstructive surgery. This entire process typically lasts about one week.
Licensed Psychiatrists, Child Life Specialists, and More Suffering a severe burn is a traumatic experience for the victim, as well as the family. No one understands this better than the medical team at The Grossman Burn Center at St. Luke’s Medical Center. Licensed psychiatrists are available to work with patients and their families during and after the treatment process. Additionally, child life specialists work with pediatric patients and their families through these challenging times. The child life specialist delivers expert knowledge for parents, as well as a special energy and excitement for the lives of pediatric patients. These specialists truly make a difference in the lives of our pediatric patients and their families.
Cosmetic/Reconstructive Surgery: Our Difference Once the burn injuries have been stabilized and treated, patients can look forward to world-class cosmetic care for their burn injuries. Unlike many other burn care units, the surgeons at The Grossman Burn Center at St. Luke’s Medical Center are all cosmetically trained surgeons. This is a huge benefit for our patients, as they receive cosmetic surgery from the same surgeon that provided the initial acute/emergent treatment. Follow-Up Care That’s Here For You Lastly, patients (and their families) are entitled to ongoing follow-up and support care after their surgery. At The Grossman Burn Center at St. Luke’s Medical Center, the staff really does treat patients like family. See one story below. How One Teen Overcame Severe Burn Injuries