Overview
Respiratory Therapy Service at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
A team recognized for it's committment to quality in care, work life, education and research. A team recognized for going the extra mile.
"Sisters of St. Joseph's Working Together Award"
Winners of this award in Winter 2005
Breathing is something most people take for granted…that is, until it becomes something that is hard or nearly impossible to do on a daily basis.
Respiratory Therapists are a vital part of any hospital and typically are part of the hospital’s lifesaving response team that handles emergencies. Respiratory Therapists offer a multi-faceted role in health care. Of the approximately 2200 RT’s that work in Ontario, the majority work in acute/critical care settings.
Respiratory Therapists are often the first health care professionals called to the scene when patients are experiencing respiratory complications. Thousands of Canadians suffer from some form of lung disease. Respiratory Therapists are involved in the care of patients suffering from: Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema, Pneumonia, Croup, Trauma (Chest, head, spinal cord), Pulmonary Fibrosis, Heart or Kidney Failure, Cancer, Premature Infants, Drowning victims and strokes.
RT’s also work in home care, diagnostics, research, rehabilitation, medical sales/service, teaching and patient education.
RT’s offer the health care system the unique ability to treat patients across a broad age spectrum by caring for infants, children, adults and the elderly. RT’s deliver their expertise throughout a variety of hospital programs. This includes Critical Care, Perioperative/Surgical Care, Urgent and Emergent Care, Chest and Medical Team where in each environment their role and scope is varied and specific to the needs of the patients and the program serviced.
The profession of Respiratory Therapy is over 35 years old, having been established in Canada in 1964. There are over 6, 600 Respiratory Therapists working in Canada, with approximately 2200 working in Ontario. St. Joseph's Hospital employs over 40 Respiratory Therapists.
We are proud of our history and excited about our future! Please join me in acknowledging the members of our department who provide service to the patients, our partners and the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital.
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.”
-Anonymous
