News Releases

February 5, 2010

Contact:
Jennifer Faley
Communication Coordinator
(563) 589-8112
faleyja@mercyhealth.com

Mercy Earns Quality Respiratory Care Recognition

DUBUQUE, IA—Mercy Medical Center – Dubuque has earned Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) under a national program aimed at helping patients and families make informed decisions about the quality of respiratory care services available in hospitals.

Only 15 percent of hospitals in the United States have received this award. Mercy – Dubuque also received the award in 2008 and 2009.

The QRCR program was started by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) in 2003 to help consumers identify those facilities using 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.

Sue Meade, MSHA, RRT, NPS, Mercy’s Director of Respiratory Care Services, Home Medical Equipment and Neurodiagnostic Services, said, “Patients who choose Mercy can do so knowing that they have access to a staff of highly-trained and skilled respiratory therapists, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The staff are nationally credentialed and state licensed and have extensive experience helping people of all ages with heart and lung disease.” She adds, “Whether the need is routine, post-operative, or in an emergency situation, patients at Mercy can count on excellent care from the Respiratory Care staff.”

To qualify for the recognition, Mercy – Dubuque provided documentation showing it meets the following conditions:

• All respiratory therapists employed by the hospital to deliver bedside respiratory care services are either legally recognized by the state as competent to provide respiratory care services or 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 QRCR program began due to growing concerns among healthcare leaders and the general public regarding the safety and quality of healthcare 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, www.YourLungHealth.org.

Respiratory therapists are specially trained healthcare 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 care for premature infants and are key members of lifesaving response teams charged with handling medical emergencies.