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Complex Respiratory Program

Compassionate Care for Complex Cases

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Emily Howatt Pliskatt Pediatric Unit has a Complex Respiratory Program designed to treat children, from birth to age 21, with acute or chronic lung disease with varying oxygen or ventilatory needs. Our clinical staff works as a team to wean or simplify respiratory support for infants and children who require oxygen, artificial airways or mechanical ventilation. Our program aims to optimize children’s respiratory function to prevent complications, advance their mobility and self-care, and improve communication.

Locations

Our respiratory therapists are highly-skilled in education, treatment and maintenance of patients diagnosed with both acute and chronic pulmonary disorders. Our respiratory therapists are experienced in caring for pediatric patients requiring oxygen therapy; respiratory medication therapy; ventilator management; pulmonary function testing; secretion management; medication administration; tracheotomy management and care; and transition to home training.

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Emily Howatt Pliskatt Pediatric Unit

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Complex Respiratory Conditions We Treat

  • Ventilator dependence
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Chronic Lung Disease with Oxygen dependence
  • Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
  • Asthma
  • Tracheomalacia
  • Extreme prematurity
  • Pulmonary Hypertension

Multidisciplinary Care Team

  • Pediatric physiatrist
  • Nursing
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Recreational therapy
  • Respiratory therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Care management
  • Neuropsychology
  • Counseling
  • Dietary

Respiratory Therapy Services

Our respiratory therapists are highly-skilled in education, treatment and maintenance of patients diagnosed with both acute and chronic pulmonary disorders. Our respiratory therapists are experienced in caring for pediatric patients requiring:

  • Oxygen therapy
  • Respiratory medication therapy
  • Ventilator management
  • Pulmonary function testing
  • Secretion management
  • Medication administration
  • Tracheotomy management and care
  • Transition to home training

Providers

The interdisciplinary clinical team at Good Shepherd evaluates each child and creates an individualized care plan to meet his or her unique needs. During his or her stay, each child receives daily medical management by a board-certified pediatrician and therapy, which may include: respiratory, physical, occupational, speech and/or recreational.

The child’s family is an integral part of the rehabilitation team. His or her family will participate in weekly meetings to develop goals, assess progress and discuss the treatment plan. Upon discharge, family/patient education is provided to ensure that each child is safely transitioned home with maximum functional capacity and independence.

Kimberly Kuchinski, MD, MPH

Anita Desai, CRNP

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To get started, call 1.888.447.3422 or fill out the form below.

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