Overview of the Stony Brook Burn Center
The Stony Brook Burn Center located within Stony Brook University Hospital provides highly specialized care for burn injuries of all severities. As one of the top burn care facilities in the New York tri-state area, Stony Brook's Burn Center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and expert multidisciplinary staff.
Level I Trauma and Burn Center Verification
Stony Brook University Hospital holds a Level I verification from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) for both trauma and burns. This is the highest level of certification a facility can achieve and recognizes the Burn Center's capabilities in caring for complex, critical burn cases from across the region.
Specialized Facility and Equipment
The Stony Brook Burn Center features a dedicated 12-bed unit with advanced medical resources tailored specifically for burn treatment. Specialized features and equipment include:
- Fully equipped ICU rooms
- Dedicated operating rooms
- Hydrotherapy treatment spaces
- Parallel bars and rehabilitation gym
- Hyperbaric oxygen chamber
Multidisciplinary Burn Team
Stony Brook's Burn Center brings together expert physicians, nurses, therapists and support staff across multiple disciplines to provide comprehensive burn care. Some of the specialists who collaborate in patient care include:
- Board-certified burn surgeons
- Critical care physicians and nurses
- Rehabilitation therapists: physical, occupational, speech
- Specialized wound and skin care nurses
- Nutritionists and social workers
Treatments Offered at Stony Brook's Burn Center
As a verified top-tier burn facility, Stony Brook provides complete care spanning from the initial emergency response through reconstruction and rehabilitation. Treatments available include:
Emergency Burn Management
Stony Brook's burn surgeons are on call 24/7 to rapidly assess and treat emergency burn cases. Critical aspects of initial care include:
- Airway or breathing support as needed
- Fluid resuscitation and stabilization
- Escharotomy for full-thickness circumferential burns
- Wound cleaning, debriding and temporary dressings
Burn Wound Care and Skin Grafting
Following the acute phase, ongoing wound care and skin grafting procedures are utilized as needed for deeper, more severe burns. These may include:
- Regular dressing changes
- Tangential excision to remove damaged tissue
- Application of skin substitutes and grafts
- Evaluation of graft take and healing
Reconstruction and Scar Management
The Burn Center's reconstructive plastic surgeons perform various procedures to optimize function and appearance after full healing. Techniques include:
- Z-plasty, W-plasty, tissue expansion
- Contracture releases
- Facial reconstruction
- Laser scar revision
Rehabilitation Services
Physical and occupational therapists at Stony Brook specialize in rehabilitation for burn injuries. They design tailored programs targeting:
- Improving strength, mobility and function
- Regaining range of motion after contractures
- Learning to use adaptive equipment as needed
- Supporting reintegration into daily life
Leading Research and Education in Burn Care
In addition to clinical services through the Burn Center, Stony Brook is at the forefront of research and education related to burn treatment and recovery including:
Cutting-Edge Research
Active research efforts through Stony Brook aim to advance approaches across all facets of burn management. Investigations include optimizing fluid formulas, testing skin graft techniques, developing innovative technologies and more.
Fellowship Program
Stony Brook sponsors an accredited burn surgery fellowship training the next generation of burn care specialists. The competitive program accepts two candidates per year for advanced exposure to critical care, trauma, reconstruction and rehabilitation.
Community Outreach
Outreach initiatives bring burn awareness and education into local communities. Stony Brook experts speak at schools, lead safety fairs and connect people with resources to help prevent devastating burn injuries.
Why Choose Stony Brook's Burn Center?
With specialized verification, expert staff, cutting-edge treatments and pioneering research - Stony Brook's Burn Center is uniquely equipped as a leader in burn care. Reasons to choose Stony Brook include:
- Level I ACS verification demonstrating exceptional capabilities
- Multidisciplinary team united under one roof
- On-site access to advanced treatments and rehab services
- At the forefront of innovation in burn research
- Part of an academic medical center advancing care, education and discovery
FAQs
What types of burns are treated at Stony Brook?
Stony Brook's Burn Center treats burns of all severities and depths including minor, moderate and major burns. This includes scald, flame, electrical, chemical and contact burns affecting any part of the body.
How quickly are patients with severe burns treated?
As a verified trauma and burn facility, Stony Brook's specialized burn surgeons are available 24/7 to rapidly assess and treat the most critically injured burn patients to stabilize them in the first hours after injury.
Does insurance cover treatment at the Burn Center?
Yes, Stony Brook accepts most major insurance plans. Their financial counselors also work with patients on questions related to medical bills, insurance coverage, discounts and payment support options.
Is aftercare and rehabilitation available onsite?
Yes, the Burn Center offers a full spectrum of care including emergency treatment, surgery, dressing changes, reconstruction as well as access to physical and occupational therapy - all coordinated within the dedicated Stony Brook burn unit.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment