Aug 4, 2007
Norwalk Hospital recognized for respiratory care
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Norwalk Hospital has earned Quality Respiratory Care Recognition under a national program aimed at helping patients and families make informed decisions about the quality of respiratory care services available in hospitals.
About 500 hospitals, or approximately 10% of hospitals in the United States, have applied for and received this award.
“Our respiratory therapy staff at Norwalk Hospital is exceptional and we congratulate them on achieving this prestigious honor again this year,” said Dr. Stephen M. Winter, chief of pulmonary and critical care medicine. “Their commitment and dedication to patient care is outstanding.”
The national recognition program was started by the American Association for Respiratory Care in 2003 to help consumers identify those facilities using qualified respiratory therapists to provide respiratory care. Hospitals earning the designation ensure patient safety by agreeing to adhere to a strict set of criteria governing their respiratory care services.
To qualify for this recognition, Norwalk Hospital provided documentation showing it meets the following conditions:
• All respiratory therapists employed by the hospital to deliver bedside respiratory care services are either legally recognized by the state as competent to provide respiratory care services or hold the CRT or RRT credential.
• Respiratory therapists are available 24 hours a day.
• Other personnel qualified to perform specific respiratory procedures and the amount of supervision required for personnel to carry out specific procedures must be designated in writing.
• A doctor of medicine or osteopathy is designated as medical director of respiratory care services.
The national recognition program grew out of concerns among health care leaders and the general public regarding the safety and quality of health care services provided to patients. Hospitals that meet the requirements provide a level of respiratory care consistent with national standards and guidelines and should be commended for their commitment to quality care, according to the respiratory care group.
Respiratory therapists are specially trained health care professionals who work under physician’s orders to provide a range of breathing treatments and other services to people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, AIDS and other lung or lung-related conditions. They also care for premature infants and are members of lifesaving response teams charged with handling medical emergencies.
Information: 852-2484.
© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
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