Our skilled and caring staff is experienced in the assessment and evaluation of ostomies, treatment of skin problems, prevention of complications, appliance fitting and patient education. We provide comprehensive services to patients with:
- Illeostomies
- Colostomies
- Urinary diversions
- Continent diversions
- Fistulas or tubes
- Incontinence problems
Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid that causes the body's soft tissues to swell. It is a life-long problem that can worsen or cause serious infection if left untreated. While there is no cure, our certified therapists can effectively treat lymphedema by using the following methods:
- Manual lymph drainage
- Compression bandaging
- Compression garments
- Exercises
- Education
A physician referral is preferred, but not required, for wound and ostomy care. However, a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner is needed for lymphedema management. To schedule an appointment, please call 860-582-WELL (9355), Monday through Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
We participate in most insurance plans. Since many plans require authorization before you can be seen, we suggest that you check with your insurance company prior to your first visit. Please bring your insurance card and copayment to your appointment. Unless otherwise arranged, payment is expected at the time of each visit. Payment in the form of cash, check, VISA or MasterCard is also accepted.
The Bristol Hospital Wellness Center is fortunate to have such a highly skilled staff of experts right on site.
Catherine T. Milne, MSN, APRN, CWOCN, BC, ANP, is one of the first nurse practitioners in the state of Connecticut to become Board certified in wound, ostomy and continence by the Wound, Ostomy, Continence Society. This respected certification is a voluntary process that is held only by an elite group of specialty nurses throughout the country. She has served as a principal investigator for several wound care research studies, holds academic appointments at two universities and has published numerous articles and a textbook in her area of expertise. In addition to serving as distinguished faculty for the national initiative to reduce stress urinary incontinence, she is a clinical reviewer for the journal of Orthopedic Nursing, Ostomy-Wound Management and Kestrel Wound and Incontinence source book.
Armann Ciccarelli, MD, is Board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery with a specialty in wound care. He is a senior member of the Bristol Hospital medical staff. He is also on the medical staff of John Dempsey Hospital-University of Connecticut Health Center.
Darlene Saucier, MSN, APRN, CWOCN, BC, ANP, also holds certification in wound care. She is a skilled clinician with a variety of experience in acute and long-term care.
Aline Mellon, CLT, PT, has focused her physical therapy career on treating lymphedema. She has successfully treated lymphedema of the face, upper extremities and lower extremities. Aline's patients are always grateful for the positive change in their quality of life when their lymphedema is under control.
