Welland, ON - Patients in the Welland/Niagara area with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will now benefit from an innovative evidence-based program called Caring for my COPD.
COPD, which is sometimes called emphysema or chronic bronchitis, is a progressive lung disease that more Ontarians are being diagnosed with every year. While the Ontario Lung Association estimates that 850,000 people in Ontario have COPD, the actual number may be higher because COPD is often underdiagnosed. It is a leading cause of emergency department visits and hospitalizations in the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant LHIN and across Canada.
Caring for my COPD offers services according to each patient’s unique needs that are identified during an initial visit with a Certified Respiratory Educator. The 10-week program connects participants with an interdisciplinary team of bilingual healthcare professionals which includes a kinesiologist, dietitian, psychologist, community health counselor, and administrative support. Ongoing telephone support is also available. The program aims to improve participants’ management of their condition and to reduce hospital readmissions and ER visits. The Welland Caring for my COPD program is the only location where the program is offered to both Francophone and Anglophone patients, in their preferred language of service.
"We are very excited to be able to offer this new community program to our patients. Patient education and exercise are crucial elements in allowing patients to control their condition, live better lives and prevent worsenings that can lead to emergency room visits and hospitalization." Dr. Mark Jany, Director of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Niagara Health System, Niagara Respirology Lead Caring for My COPD Program
This program is available to individuals who have been diagnosed with COPD, including those recently hospitalized due to this condition. For more information, patients should consult their Primary Care Provider (Doctor or nurse practitioner) or Respirologist. A referral is necessary to access this program. If you are interested in knowing more about this program, please contact:
Jeanne Schmidt.
Niagara South-West Health Link Executive Lead and Director of Welland Caring for my COPD
Jeanne.schmidt@cschn.ca
(905) 714-9935 ext. 2277
