Pulmonary Medicine

How to contact Holy Family Hospital's pulmonary rehabilitation team

Telephone: (978) 687-0151, ext. 2145
Email: Patricia.Gonda@steward.org
Address: 70 East Street, Methuen, Mass.

Current research shows that patients who receive pulmonary rehabilitation have fewer hospitalizations, fewer emergency room visits and fewer office visits. Most importantly, they enjoy a better quality of life.

Holy Family offers a comprehensive rehabilitation program specifically designed for individuals with symptomatic lung disorders. Our multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation team combines the most modern treatment techniques with quality, individualized care to treat the symptoms associated with chronic pulmonary disease. Our ultimate goal is to help patients preserve their functionality and independence to the best of their ability.

Pulmonary rehabilitation can improve patients’ quality of life in the following ways:

• Helping to control and alleviate the symptoms and complications of pulmonary disease
• Conditioning to achieve optimal cardiopulmonary functioning to carry out daily activities
• Serving as a resource of continuing education and support
• Decreasing anxiety and depression
• Promoting independence and self-reliance
• Increasing exercise tolerance
• Facilitating the return to work
• Achieving a more restful sleep
• Reducing exacerbations and hospitalizations

Pulmonary patients who participate in the program learn ways to perform self care and light duties while still conserving physical energy and gain useful techniques for adminsitering respiratory medications. Valuable information on proper nutrition and the benefits of smoking cessation are also shared.

Treatment Philosophy

Research has shown that effective treatment for pulmonary disease requires a comprehensive approach that incorporates the most advanced medical, psychological, and lifestyle technologies to contribute to the best possible physical and psychological recovery. Our goal is to provide each patient with a personal treatment plan that addresses their health needs. While our treatment philosophy remains open to new developments in the area of pulmonary rehabilitation, we recommend only treatments that have been shown to be effective in sound scientific research.

Our treatment services include:

• A thorough assessment of a patient’s breathing problem by a pulmonary specialist
• A pulmonary stress test performed with newly acquired state-of-the-art pulmonary function equipment to assess the effect of pulmonary disease on physical capacity
• An individually tailored multidisciplinary rehabilitation program
• Training on strategies for dealing with shortness of breath
• An individualized exercise program
• Education on the prescribed medications
• A series of weekly one-on-one visits with a registered respiratory therapist
• Physical therapy assessments on posture, mobility, balance and pacing for optimal lung function
• Assistance in developing coping and support skills
• Exercise maintenance after completion of the initial program

Our Team

• Pulmonary rehabilitation specialists, each registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care Practitioners
• Pulmonary rehabilitation coordinator
• Respiratory care services manager
• Pulmonary rehabilitation medical director
• Physical therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Nutritionists
• Social workers
• Pharmacists

Insurance Coverage

The pulmonary rehabilitation program at Holy Family Hospital accepts most major health insurance plans. To receive care, you need to obtain a referral from your primary care doctor. Our team will work closely with your primary care physician during your treatment.