The team at Dignity Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Program, left to right: Lauren Raitz, Assistant Program Director; Dr. Patrick Costello, Medical Director; Alexandra Wynkoop, Registered Nurse.

This month, we’d like to recognize Dignity Health Saint Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco, California. Its Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Program, the only hospital-based facility of its kind in San Francisco, serves patients with chronic wounds stemming from diabetes, poor circulation and the late effects of radiation therapy, among other conditions. 

The hospital recently made local headlines after an elderly woman suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning was transported to the center. Emergency advanced HBO treatment was given to counteract the possibility of cognitive function impairment due to carbon monoxide exposure.

Led by medical director Patrick Costello, M.D., the Saint Francis Memorial Hospital HBOT team is comprised of four physicians, a registered nurse, certified hyperbaric technician and program director. 

“This is a much-needed facility in San Francisco because it’s incredibly patient-attentive, and we collaborate with referring doctors so they’re involved every step of the way throughout treatment,” said Costello. “Our patients are eager to return on a daily basis to complete treatment."

A recent remodel included the installation of four new HBO chambers, allowing Saint Francis to increase its patient load. The center also takes referrals from University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center for patients in need of HBOT.

"With four state-of-the-art chambers, we can serve more people with less wait times,” said Ryan Springer, Certified Hyperbaric Technician. “We have a smooth and seamless operation here. Our patients tell us they feel comfortable, safe and relaxed during treatment.”

About Saint Francis Memorial Hospital and the Saint Francis Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Program
Dignity Health Saint Francis Memorial Hospital is an accredited, not-for-profit community hospital that has been providing exceptional healthcare in San Francisco for more than 100 years. 

Located atop Nob Hill, near downtown San Francisco, Saint Francis is home to the Saint Francis Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Program, which is dedicated to delivering compassionate care to patients in need of treatment for chronic, non-healing wounds and other medical conditions. For more information, please call 415-353-6700.