AFTER YEARS OF serving families in primary care, Pratt returned to Huron to specialize in a field that offers something rare in medicine: the opportunity to facilitate tangible, physical healing.
“Wound care wasn’t always on my radar,” Pratt says. “But after practicing family care and having time to reflect, I realized it’s time to take this opportunity to specialize, providing focused care and helping patients throughout their healing journey.”
Kristin Pratt, CNP
A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH
Pratt’s extensive primary care background equips her to approach wound healing holistically, reinforcing the health advice patients receive from their primary care providers – like managing diabetes and nutrition, which often contribute to wound development.
“I’m excited to bring that comprehensive perspective,” Pratt says. “Wound and ostomy care patients often feel discouraged, and I want to give them hope, help them understand their condition and empower them to make and practice lifestyle changes to support prevention of future wounds.”
Huron’s wound care and ostomy program includes inpatient consultations and outpatient treatments. The wound care team is collaborative, including Pratt, wound care nurses, physicians and specialists in surgery and podiatry. The team customizes a care plan for each patient using the latest advances in wound care including new dressings, skin substitutes, technologies and therapies.
“We want people in Huron and surrounding communities to know wound and ostomy care is available here,” Pratt says. “Patients shouldn’t have to drive hours to Sioux Falls or beyond for these services, especially when mobility may be limited. Our goal is to treat patients close to home and build strong relationships with providers across the region.”
Pratt is also enthusiastic about future program growth in expanding access to care in remote and rural areas and bringing cutting edge treatment modalities to Huron.
EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
Aside from clinical expertise, Pratt is passionate about education.
“Many people still treat wounds with outdated methods,” she says. “I want to empower patients and providers with current knowledge, so we can prevent minor wounds from becoming serious chronic issues.”
■ To schedule wound care services, call Huron Regional Medical Center at (605) 353-6334 or go to huronregional.org.