For the last five years, Kathleen Marowsky of York County has been managing her Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Recently, however, she noticed breathing became even more difficult, and sought help from the experts at WellSpan Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
“I was having more issues, so my doctor suggested I attend the pulmonary rehab program,” said Kathleen Marowsky of York County. “I took him up on it, and I’m glad I did. The people I worked with were so knowledgeable and so personable. They really want you to get better, and I think it’s made a world of difference in my health.”
WellSpan York Hospital’s respiratory care department was recently recognized by the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC).
The hospital is one of just 13 acute care hospitals across the country to receive the Apex Recognition Award for 2021-2022. The award recognizes the hospital as having demonstrated best practices in the profession and promoted patient safety by providing access to respiratory therapists to deliver their care.
“This award is a testament to the dedication our team members have toward delivering high-quality, affordable care to our community,” said Victoria Diamond, president of WellSpan York Hospital. “Our respiratory therapists are devoted to working with our patients to not only improve their health in the short term, but to provide them with the care and knowledge that allows them the opportunity to achieve lifelong wellness.”
The Apex Recognition Award requires that all respiratory therapists employed by the hospital to deliver bedside respiratory care be certified or registered as a respiratory therapist. To earn those credentials, respiratory therapists undergo rigorous examination and clinical simulations.
“I’ve noticed a big difference since starting pulmonary rehabilitation,” said Kathleen. “If I’m ever having an issue, I remember the things I was taught during the program, like to stop and monitor my breathing. I feel so much better. I don’t feel out of breath nearly as much.”
Pulmonary rehabilitation at WellSpan combines respiratory training with exercise to help patients prevent further infection,reduce the frequency of hospital admissions and live life to its fullest. Patients in the program are taught to concentrate on the use of more efficient breathing techniques, life adjustment and proper respiratory hygiene.
For more information on the services available at WellSpan York Hospital, visit WellSpan.org/YH.