The therapists evaluate and treat patients who suffer from diseases such as asthma or emphysema or injuries that affect the diaphragm. They also work with patients diagnosed with diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea.

As valued members of the healthcare team, our respiratory therapists are continuously reevaluating the effectiveness of treatment in each of our patients here at Prince William Hospital. With the use of patient-driven protocols, therapists are able to evaluate and modify treatment to best meet the needs of the patients.

The therapists work throughout the hospital, from treating premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) whose lungs aren't fully developed to elderly patients in the Critical Care Unit whose lungs are diseased. The therapists also manage ventilators that deliver oxygen to the lungs of patients who are unable to breathe adequately on their own.

In addition, respiratory therapists do pre-operative teaching and post-operative coaching, including instructing patients on lung expansion exercises and about smoking cessation. They instruct patients who are going home and their families on breathing exercises and the handling of equipment such as nebulizers and ventilators.

At Prince William Hospital, our respiratory therapists are highly skilled professionals committed to providing quality care to our patients.