Respiratory Program

Patient Diagnosis

The Laurels’ Respiratory Program is designed for individuals with primary respiratory diagnoses. These include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, adult respiratory distress syndrome, emphysema or respiratory complications associated with other diagnoses such as stroke, cardiovascular diseases or coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Program Design

Our Respiratory Program services range from basic oxygen or aerosol administration to tracheostomy care. In addition, our services extend to:

• I.V. antibiotics

• Enteral nutrition

• Wound care

• Cardiovascular conditioning

An interdisciplinary team will meet routinely to establish treatment goals and review progress. The team may consist of the patient’s physician, case manager, registered nurse, consulting respiratory therapist, physical therapist, registered dietitian and social worker, as well as other pertinent disciplines.

Program Protocol

The Laurels’ Respiratory Program is appropriate for adult patients who have:

• An established diagnosis

• Completed any invasive procedures

• Stabilized in their medical condition  (e.g. stable cardiac status, no excessive bleeding) or

• A prognosis of recovery and discharge to a lower level of care

Patients remain in the Respiratory Program until established goals are met or until transfer to a lower level of care can occur.

Attending primary care physicians are welcome to follow their patients participating in our Medically Complex Programs. If that is not feasible, a member of The Laurels’ medical staff will attend to the patient.