Morris Hospital Receives Prestigious Pulmonary Rehabilitation Certification
December 1, 2017, MORRIS, IL – The Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at Morris Hospital has received its first certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). The program was recognized for enhancing standards of care that result in improved quality of life for people in the community with chronic pulmonary disease.
The Morris Hospital Pulmonary Rehabilitation program is designed to help people with pulmonary problems improve their quality of life through exercise, education, counseling, and support for patients and their families. This includes individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and other environmental and occupational forms of lung disease.
“AACVPR-certified programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available,” says Jori Christensen, Director of Cardiovascular Services at Morris Hospital. “We’re very proud of our Pulmonary Rehabilitation team for their commitment to providing an outstanding program for our community.”
In order to achieve the certification, Morris Hospital’s Pulmonary Rehab program participated in an application process that required extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR program certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other professional societies. As part of the certification process, the program was reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and certification was awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors. The certification is valid for three years.
Morris Hospital’s Phase 2 Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a 12-week program that meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Diagnostic & Rehabilitative Center of Morris Hospital on Gore Road. The program incorporates physical reconditioning and self-care education, all in a supportive setting that promotes social interaction and emotional well-being. After graduating from Phase 2, participants may choose to continue exercising with Morris Hospital’s Phase 3 pulmonary rehabilitation program. Pulmonologist Ahmad Agha, M.D., serves as Medical Director of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program.
Free support programs are also offered through a monthly Breather’s Support Group and Harmonica Group.
Participation in Pulmonary Rehab requires a physician’s referral. For more information, call 815-705-7837.
