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Respiratory therapists In-hospital respiratory services Community and clinics

Respiratory Therapy Services

Learn about the respiratory therapy services we provide in hospital and community settings, which support you in your heart and lung health issues.

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Respiratory therapists

Respiratory therapists (RTs) are professionals with a unique set of skills and abilities for providing care to those with heart and lung problems in all stages of life. RTs participate in many roles to help support you, your family and the health-care team with related health issues. Respiratory therapists working across Interior Health are certified under the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists to ensure quality care for you and your family.

Learn more about the roles of a respiratory therapist

Services available

Respiratory therapists provide care to people in:

  • The hospital
  • Your community and clinics
How to access respiratory services

 We offer a variety of respiratory services in your area:

In-hospital respiratory services

Respiratory therapists support the rest of the health-care team in providing the following care to people in hospital (services may vary by hospital):

  • Conduct tests to measure lung and breathing ability
  • Educate or manage asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or assistance to quit smoking
  • Train in the use of special breathing equipment and/or techniques for giving prescription medications or oxygen
  • Respond to life-threatening cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) arrests and traumas
  • Airway management
  • Management of life support in Intensive Care Units (ICUs)
Breathing tests and exams

Special tests or exams (pulmonary diagnostics) may be ordered by your physician or nurse practitioner to:

  • determine your lung or breathing ability and related health risk
  • diagnose a lung health condition, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • screen for sleep apnea and other sleep disorder breathing

These tests are typically done by respiratory therapists and other specialists working in hospital-based pulmonary function diagnostic labs.
 

Community and clinics

Respiratory Therapists also work in the community and through clinics to support your ongoing lung health and breathing needs by: 

  • Conducting spirometry (breathing) tests and oxygen assessments
  • Counselling for quitting smoking or tobacco use
  • Assisting with ventilator (life support) and airway management
  • Supporting end of life respiratory care at home

These services may be provided either individually or in groups at a local health centre, hospital clinic setting, physician’s office, community care facility or directly in your home, depending on your level of need, health status and ability to access.

Asthma, COPD and pulmonary rehab services

For individuals living with a lung health condition such as asthma or COPD, respiratory therapists working in asthma care clinics, pulmonary rehabilitation and other community programs help you and your family with the knowledge, skills and resource information necessary to assist with your ongoing self-management. Pulmonary rehabilitation services combine education and exercise for your greatest health benefit. These services may be offered individually or in groups where you can learn from staff and also others like yourself.

Home oxygen program

Oxygen therapy is sometimes necessary when your lungs are not able to provide enough oxygen to the blood for the body to use. Through a referral from your physician or nurse practitioner, home oxygen and subsidy options are available for eligible residents who may have asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, occupational lung disease, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis or congestive heart failure, and meet the medical and non-medical criteria.

Some individuals may need to remain on oxygen therapy, whereas others may only need it for a short time. A respiratory therapist will re-assess your eligibility over time. 
 

Eligibility
  • You must be a B.C. resident for more than three months
  • You must be eligible for Medical Services Plan coverage and have a valid B.C. personal health number (PHN)
  • You must reside in the Interior Health region for more than six months of the calendar year
  • You don’t reside in a facility governed by the Hospital Act
  • You must meet B.C. Home Oxygen Program medical eligibility criteria for low blood oxygen levels
  • You must be capable of handling oxygen at home (note: it is unsafe to smoke around oxygen)
  • Your referral must be signed by your physician or nurse practitioner

Ask your physician or nurse practitioner for more information

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