NORWICH – A new service offering at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital is helping patients with respiratory concerns breathe easier, move better, and live more fully.

In August, the Norwich hospital introduced Pulmonary Rehabilitation, a structured, evidenced-based treatment program for individuals living with chronic lung conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis, as well as those recovering from pneumonia, COVID-19, or other acute respiratory illnesses.

“The program combines medically supervised exercise, education on lung health, breathing techniques, and emotional support to help patients reduce symptoms like shortness of breath, increase physical endurance, and improve their overall quality of life,” explained Dr. Thomas Genese, Chief Medical Officer at UHS Chenango Memorial.

“Whether a patient is managing chronic lung disease or recovering from a recent illness, this program helps them regain strength, improve their breathing, and return to the activities they love with greater confidence and independence,”

According to the physician leader, pulmonary rehabilitation may be appropriate for individuals who have been diagnosed with COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or another chronic lung disease; experience frequent shortness of breath, fatigue, or decreased stamina; have had recent hospitalizations for respiratory illness or infection; or are recovering from pneumonia or COVID-19.

 

“Research shows that pulmonary rehabilitation can significantly reduce hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and the progression of lung disease when integrated into a patient's long-term care plan,” he said.

UHS Chenango Memorial’s President and CEO, Cecil Miller expressed his support for expansion of services.

“The addition of pulmonary rehabilitation to our existing cardiac rehabilitation program allows us to take a more comprehensive approach to treating patients with heart and lung conditions in a coordinated, patient-centered way,” he said.

“This is one more step forward in our continued efforts to advance our mission of providing comprehensive, compassionate care to the people of Chenango County and beyond,” he said.

For more information, contact UHS Cardiology Norwich at (607) 337-4215.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital is part of United Health Services, a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system with 916 beds and more than 40 locations across New York’s Southern Tier.

- Information from UHS