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Respiratory Therapist joins Stevenson's team

Alliston, Ontario – February 18, 2014 - Patients at Stevenson Memorial Hospital will now have access to Respiratory Therapist (RRT) support while in Emergency or the inpatient areas of the hospital.

Stevenson has partnered with Centric Health Incorporated to provide the service free of charge to adults with respiratory illnesses being treated at the hospital.  The following services will also be available to any patient on home oxygen therapy:

·         Arterial blood gases for qualification to Home Oxygen Program
·         Palliative care
·         Obstructive sleep apnea screening
·         Ongoing education and communication with COPD Clinic

“We are very excited to offer this much needed service to patients at Stevenson,” said Shannon Landry, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer. "This is a great opportunity for us to work with a community partner to strengthen the quality of care that we provide. Respiratory Therapist support complements our inter-professional team and will enhance the education that our patients receive.”

Centric will provide an onsite RRT during the six-month contract period, to screen patients admitted to hospital with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Asthma, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) or Pulmonary Fibrosis. Patients will be referred to the education component of the local Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program which holds classes once per week for six weeks. This “Living Well with COPD” program has proven to be successful at decreasing Emergency Department visits and hospital lengths of stay.

“We are always looking at models of care to improve the patient experience and we are happy to be introducing this partnership to further enhance the safe, quality care provided here,” Landry said.

In addition to providing in person care, Centric will also provide educational handouts for patients who are unable to attend the course and for those individuals discharged through the Emergency Department with a respiratory condition.

This is also an opportunity for physicians and staff to utilize detailed reporting and tracking information on COPD patients referred to the RRT.

COPD is a long-term lung disease often caused by smoking. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Many people with COPD have both bronchitis and emphysema.

Congestive Heart failure (CHF) is a common condition that develops after the heart becomes damaged or weakened by diseases including heart attacks and other medical conditions. CHF occurs when the pumping action of the heart is not strong enough to move blood around, especially during increased activity or stress. In addition, the heart muscle may not relax properly to accommodate the flow of blood back from the lungs to the heart. These abnormalities in heart function can cause fluid to back up in the lungs.

Centric Health's vision is to be Canada's premier healthcare company with complete range of innovative and whole-life solutions focused on patients and healthcare professionals.

“We are striving to achieve excellent patient outcomes by meeting the needs of our community and this partnership with Centric is another way that we can ensure patients have access to safe, quality care in the right place at the right time,” said Jody Levac, President and CEO at Stevenson.