November 30, 2005 Saskatoon – Saskatoon Health Region (SHR) in partnership with the Lung Association of Saskatchewan (LAS) officially launched the SHR Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program satellite today at Confederation Mall in Saskatoon.
"Chronic Disease Management (CDM) is one of the priorities of Saskatoon Health Region’s strategic plan," says Donna Bleakney, General Manager, General Medicine and Chronic Disease Management. "The launch of the Confederation Mall satellite is part of Saskatoon Health Region’s provincial Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Program, which includes expanding the current SHR Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at the Field House out into the community."
"The Confederation Mall satellite has been in operation since September of this year," adds Bleakney. "It has met with great success and meets a need for people living on the West side of the city. Two additional pulmonary rehabilitation sites are expected to open in Saskatoon Health Region in the new year."
"COPD is the only leading cause of death in adults that is increasing in frequency," says Dr. Darcy Marciniuk, Professor of Medicine, Division of Respirology, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, and Medical Director of the Chronic Disease Management Program for Saskatoon Health Region. "In the next 15 years COPD is expected to escalate," adds Dr. Marciniuk, "especially in the aging female population."
"COPD is and will continue to be a priority for the Lung Association of Saskatchewan," says Dr. Brian Graham, President and CEO of the provincial organization. "We are pleased to partner with Saskatoon Health Region in helping to make pulmonary rehabilitation a ‘standard of care’ for people living with this disease. This is a ‘good news story’ and a positive step towards raising Saskatchewan's rating in the recently published report on COPD in Canada. We are grateful to community-minded businesses and individuals for supporting the Lung Association in helping to establish programs and to provide equipment for this satellite program. These businesses and individuals include AstraZeneca Inc., VitalAire and the Order of the Eastern Star."
The SHR Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program provides pulmonary disease patients with the opportunity to regain mobility. Typically individuals progress at different rates, but improvements are generally seen fairly quickly. Thirty to 40 minutes of exercise three to four times per week will increase the participant’s lung and body efficiency in utilizing oxygen. In as little as eight weeks, the participant will typically be able to walk 40 to 50 percent farther.
"Through this program, patients are able to develop an improved capacity for breathing, helping to alleviate some of their breathing difficulties including shortness of breath. This brings about an amazing transformation in many patients who feel empowered and more confident. It really improves their quality of life," says Trent Litzenberger, Program Coordinator, Saskatoon Health Region Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. "It is well established that optimizing COPD care prevents hospitalizations and Emergency Room visits, together with costing the health-care system less money."
Patients are seen by physician referral, and the program is for pulmonary disease patients only. The pulmonary rehabilitation program at Confederation Mall operates Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to noon.
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For more information contact:
Leanne Nyirfa
Corporate and Public Affairs Adviser
Saskatoon Health Region
(306)
655-3386
Saskatoon Health Region
"Healthiest people, healthiest communities, exceptional service."
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