Started in 1979, our progressive Respiratory Care program was one of the first of its kind in the region.

Our focus is exclusively on the most difficult respiratory cases. Our patients have severe respiratory failure, chronic respiratory disability or come directly from an intensive care unit for ventilator weaning.

Oxygen-dependent individuals receive physical rehabilitation and education about their disease. Every effort is made to help individuals live without the aid of a ventilator or oxygen. Our success rates are among the best in the nation. Inpatient and outpatient programs are available.

About our programs

Progressive Respiratory Care is the umbrella name for two hospital programs. Both programs have acute care nursing ratios and high respiratory therapy staffing created specifically to care for patients with chronic ventilator and oxygen dependency.

Our two inpatient programs are for:

Ventilator dependent

Many of these individuals have reached a plateau in their recovery and have been diagnosed as being unable to breathe independently, now or ever. Despite this prognosis, Bethesda has one of the highest wean success rates in the country.The typical inpatient stay lasts 30 to 35 days, and may be followed by participation in an outpatient program or in an ongoing support group.

Respiratory rehabilitation

Oxygen dependent patients are admitted to an inpatient program where they participate in daily breathing training and education. Patients with chronic respiratory problems receive respiratory, physical and occupational therapy.

The typical inpatient stay lasts 2 to 4 weeks. There is also a 6-week outpatient program.

Working toward independence

Upon admission to either program, our interdisciplinary team assesses each patient to determine strengths, needs and preferences. We set goals with the patient and family to address some or all of these areas:

Admission criteria

To be admitted to either program, patients must:

• Be 16 or older and undergoing treatment for respiratory failure
• Be clinically and physiologically stable
• Need close medical attention and be unable to be served by a
  long-term care facility

For admission to the Respiratory Rehabilitation program, patients must:

• Have a primary medical condition related to respiratory compromise
• Be oxygen dependent
• Be alert, oriented and able to participate in a comprehensive respiratory rehabilitation program

For admission to the Ventilator Dependent program, patients must:

• Be ventilator dependent
• Require complex intervention by specialized professional staff
• Display potential for improvement

For more information

To learn more, request information or call our Admissions Department at 651-232-2760.