Today's advanced technology enables severely ill patients to survive major medical crises. However, making the transition from life support systems to independent living is a tremendous challenge.
The Acute Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit at Virginia Hospital Center is one of only two units in the area that are associated with an acute care facility and specialize in helping patients make that journey.
Strengthening the patient physically and preparing for independent breathing requires highly specialized care. Our interdisciplinary team includes acute care nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, nutritional therapists, psychologists, and our case manager/social worker. All care is coordinated under the direction of our medical director, in unison with highly trained medical specialists who are available to address the multiple needs of this patient population.
Our record speaks for itself. In 90% of cases, patients are weaned from ventilator support. With an average patient stay of 40 days, our program achieves this goal in about half the time required by other facilities. For these reasons, patients are referred to Acute Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Virginia Hospital Center from virtually every hospital in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area—and beyond.