Sparrow Ionia Hospital

479 Lafayette St. Ionia, Michigan  48846

1-616-523-1400   or    1-800-237-2572

"Serving Ionia County for over 65 Years"

January 10, 2008

ICMH EARNS RESPIRATORY CARE RECOGNITION FOR FIFTH YEAR

Ionia County Memorial Hospital has earned Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) for the fifth year in a row under a national program aimed at helping patients and families make informed decisions about the quality of the respiratory care services available in hospitals.

The QRCR program was started by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) in 2004 to help consumers identify those facilities utilizing qualified respiratory therapists to provide respiratory care.  Hospitals earning the QRCR designation ensure patient safety by agreeing to adhere to a strict set of criteria governing their respiratory care services.

To qualify for the recognition, Ionia County Memorial Hospital Respiratory Department provided documentation showing it is continuing to meet the following conditions:

• All respiratory therapists employed by the hospital to deliver bedside respiratory care services hold the CRT or RRT credential.

• Respiratory therapists are available 24 hours.

• Other personnel qualified to perform specific respiratory procedures and the amount of supervision required for personnel to carry out specific procedures must be designated in writing.

• A doctor of medicine or osteopathy is designated as medical director of respiratory care services.

The AARC’s Quality Respiratory Care Recognition program grew out of concern among health care leaders and the general public regarding the safety and quality of health care services provided to patients.  Hospitals that meet the QRCR requirements provide a level of respiratory care consistent with national standards and guidelines, and should be commended for their commitment to quality care.  A list of QRCR hospitals is maintained at the association’s website for consumers, YourLungHealth.org.

Respiratory therapists are specially trained health care professionals who work under physician’s orders to provide a wide range of breathing treatments and other services to people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, AIDS, and other lung or lung-related conditions.  They also are key members of lifesaving response teams charged with handling medical emergencies.

Ionia County Memorial Hospital’s Respiratory Department staff members include: Bob Neal, RRT, Manager; Mike Reed, RRT; Neal McElmurry, RRT; Margo McKendry, CRT; Chris Hill, CRT; Kitty Carmoney, CRT; Stacy Wiles, CRT; and Deb Walter, Respiratory Tech.

##