NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

SOUTH SHORE HEALTHCARE OFFERS HOPE TO VENTILATOR-DEPENDENT PATIENTS - ANNOUNCES OUTSTANDING STATISTICS!

South Shore Healthcare in Freeport, a 100-bed sub-acute and skilled nursing facility, has been caring for the community for over 45 years and successfully transitioning clinically complex patients from "hospital to home" for over a decade.The facility’s acclaimed sub-acute respiratory and ventilator-weaning program offers a dedicated 24-bed unit, recognized by the American Association of Respiratory Care for meeting their high standards for quality respiratory care. “The program has become a key component of our sub-acute services here at South Shore and we have been able to establish a proven track record in delivering exceptional respiratory and ventilator care and weaning to our patients” stated South Shore Healthcare Executive Director, Cathie Geraghty-Doyle, MPA, L.N.H.A.

South Shore Healthcare is pleased to announce that its most recent and remarkable success rates: In 2002, South Shore weaned, or removed from the ventilator, 79% of those patients possible and, in 2003, they weaned an astounding 85% ! These numbers represent people who were once looking at a life on a ventilator and are now living completely vent-free! It’s also important to note that many of these patients had already undergone unsuccessful weaning attempts prior to arrival. At South Shore, they attribute their success to their extensive experience and unique approach ... they view all patients with a “weaning-possible” attitude!

The respiratory and ventilator programs at South Shore are tailored to seniors as well as adults ages 16 and older who, after a hospital stay, require a greater amount of specialized care over a longer period of time. The program offers extensive physician-based pulmonary coverage and maintains its own staff of highly qualified respiratory professionals who are experienced and trained to meet the individual needs of their patients. South Shore’s respiratory staff work hand-in-hand with the facilities full complement of physicians, nurses, therapists and professionals from other specialties to provide patients with optimum recovery. “Our unique program, combined with top-notch dedicated professionals and the latest in high tech advances offers patients a real opportunity for an improved quality of life and greater independence.” stated South Shore’s Director of Respiratory Care, Tim Fisher, R.R.T., M.S. “Many respiratory and ventilator patients at South Shore also benefit from our on-site rehabilitation program which offers caring and highly skilled rehab professionals and state-of-the-art rehab equipment. We are extremely proud of our success rates and our ability to provide a better quality of life for many of our patients.” continued Mr. Fisher.

South Shore’s updated facility provides patients requiring oxygen a more complete recovery experience through its unique facility-wide in-wall oxygen and suctioning system. “Our in-wall oxygen system allows patients access to most areas of both the building and grounds. This gives our patients requiring oxygen greater freedom as well as an opportunity to more fully participate in various recreational and social activities throughout the building.” stated Ms. Doyle.

South Shore Healthcare’s respiratory services include ventilator care and weaning services, oxygen therapy, aerosol treatment, bi-paps, pulmonary strengthening and rehabilitation, tracheostomy care and decannulation. South Shore accepts most insurance and is Medicaid and Medicare certified. If you would like to learn more about any of their services or to arrange a personal tour, please contact the office of Sub-Acute Services at 516-868-6097.