Get to Know Your Hospital - Local Diabetes Care

By Matthew Avitabile

MARGARETVILLE — We spoke to Vickie Misner BSN, RN, WCC, the Ambulatory Care Manager and April Brimberry , RN in the Ambulatory Outpatient Clinic of Margaretville Hospital about the importance of diabetes education and wound care.

Misner said that the hospital has been working on multiple elements related to diabetes, including “verbal education” and other forms of communication, including information that people can bring with them to better understand “the whole picture of diabetes.”

Misner and Brimberry are both working on a variety of projects, including at farmers markets, the Cauliflower Festival, and other events. These have given a chance to receive “feedback” about what the public wants and adjusting from there. This includes working with local dieticians to bring cutting edge knowledge and treatment information to distribute to the public. In addition, the hospital has been providing online resources.

Brimberry said that the team is working on routine care, such as appropriate footwear, checking your feet daily, working with doctors on medication, and more. Medical professionals have been able to treat patients with a variety of diabetes-related topics.

This includes wound care, said Misner. One patient was able to see the various benefits of small changes “that have resulted in a sort of recovery.”

Many patients can improve meal planning, increase their protein, exercise including walking, and others for improvement.
Many people don’t realize that diabetes is a condition that affects the entire body, including nerve endings and pain, how people heal, vision, the immune system, and the heart.

In addition, Misner said that some patients are not aware of current medication that can treat the condition. “It’s helpful in a variety of ways.”

Brimberry said that modern monitors can track what a person eats and their blood sugar.

Misner said that services are “expanding here at Margaretville.” The outreach programs are growing while outpatient care includes making people aware of primary and ambulatory care at the hospital “right in their backyard to help them manage their diabetes.”

“We’re trying to get out to senior events,” said Misner. This allows for both information and resources localized to Delaware County.

Misner said that medical professionals are the best chance to treat diabetes. Even Google is less reliable now, relying on AI content that does not always provide correct information.

“Prevention is key,” said Brimberry . “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” she said. This includes daily care that can prevent wounds that can take a long time to cure due to the effects of diabetes.

Misner added that activity can help prevent many of the worst effects as many people do not realize how inactivity can affect blood sugar.

There’s a need for a holistic approach to look at the “big picture,” said Misner.

Both agreed that it would be helpful to know more about the condition and to speak to a physician when needed. The hospital can help with information, to navigate insurance, about treatment, and much more.

“What sets Margaretville Hospital apart is its commitment to personalized, community-based care. Patients receive coordinated support from physicians, nurses, and specialists who work closely with primary care providers to ensure seamless treatment and follow-up. Plus a convenient, onsite retail pharmacy allows for seamless prescription fulfillment and purchase of medical supplies,”

“By combining clinical expertise with compassionate care, Margaretville Hospital’s wound care program helps patients heal faster, avoid complications, and maintain their independence. For those living with diabetes, this specialized care makes all the difference—promoting recovery, preventing future wounds, and improving quality of life close to home,” said the hospital.

You can reach the wound care team by calling 845-586-2631 and select option 4.