Respiratory Care at Chestnut Hill Hospital
Kelly A. Piper, B.S., R.R.T.

Chestnut Hill Hospital earned Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) in a National Program from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). The program’s aim is to help patients and families make informed decisions about the quality of the respiratory care services available in hospitals. Chestnut Hill was one of only 700 hospitals in the United States to receive this recognition.

The QRCR program was started by the AARC in 2003 to help consumers identify those facilities using qualified respiratory therapists to provide respiratory care. Hospitals earning QRCR designation ensure patient safety by agreeing to adhere to a strict set of criteria governing their respiratory care services including Hospital respiratory therapists are state certified or have the CRT or RRT credential and Respiratory therapists are available 24-hours a day.

Respiratory therapists are specially trained health care professionals who work under physician’s orders to provide a wide 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 are also key members of lifesaving response teams charged with handling medical emergencies.

Throughout the past year, Chestnut Hill’s respiratory care department has been striving to provide the best care possible to its’ patients. “Our therapists treat each patient as an individual, providing education along with customized treatments so they are better equipped to continue their care when they return home, says Kelly Piper, director of respiratory care department.  

Chestnut Hill Hospital’s respiratory care was recently enhanced with the purchase of four ventilators equipped with modern technology for life support. Specially trained staff is now using the ventilators in the critical care unit. The Hospital will continue to be a leader in respiratory therapy providing advanced technology and qualified therapists.