The Respiratory staff offer a full range of services to assist the breathing impaired, and to assist your practitioner to diagnose conditions of the cardiac and respiratory systems. Diagnostic tests include cardiac stress tests, electroencephalogram (EEG) and pulmonary function tests, and echocardiography services. Respiratory therapists basic tasks are keeping airways open, inflating lungs with oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide in treating emergency, intensive care and acute care patients.

Through a team of health professionals Pulmonary Rehabilitation at York Hospital provides the participant and the family with information and support to meet the day to day challenges of living with a chronic lung disorder. Through individualized treatment plans consisting of education, exercise, breathing retraining, and the development of coping and support skills, the primary objectives of the program are to control and alleviate the symptoms and complications of pulmonary disease and to teach the participant how to achieve an optimal level of independence and physical capabilities.

Structured treatment plans help to improve functional status while factors that cause the disease are modified. As a result, pulmonary rehabilitation may prolong life, reduce disability and raise the level of physical and social functioning to the highest possible level. York Hospital's Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is located at the Heart Health Institute at 127 Long Sands Road in York, Maine. Call (207) 351-3700.