Beginning this week, a new outpatient clinic is being offered at the Douglas Memorial Site for patients with chronic lung disease and asthma.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)is among the leading causes of hospitalization of Fort Erie and area men and women aged 65 and over. COPD is a long-term lung disease and includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It slowly damages the airways, making it hard to breathe, like asthma.
The clinic will operate every other Tuesday. A Registered Respiratory Therapist will be available to provide assessments, perform diagnostic tests and provide education to adult patients suffering from COPD and to adults and/or children with asthma. A Respirologist physician will also be available at each clinic to consult with new patients.
“This is a valuable service for patients in the area who require ongoing education, support and care for COPD and asthma,” says Wendy Robb, Health Program Director at Douglas Memorial Site. “We are very pleased to provide this service to residents of this area while at the same time provide them with one-stop access to laboratory and diagnostic services at the site.”
“As the new provider of this clinic in the community, we hope to help people with chronic lung disease and asthma improve their quality of life and also reduce the number of hospitalizations,” says Wendy.
“This is an excellent example of how we can deliver the health services our residents need by working together with all of our healthcare partners to find solutions and leverage opportunities,” says Fort Erie Mayor Doug Martin. “Chronic lung disease is prevalent in our town, and this clinic will provide essential medical care to both young and old.”
The clinic will be located on the main floor, adjacent to the Urgent Care Centre. Minor renovations will be taking place over the next several months. Patients require referral by a physician.
