Foundation News Releases > May 18th, 2007: Successful COPD Clinic concludes at Kemptville District Hospital
Kemptville District Hospital
2675 Concession Road, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0
Tel: (613) 258-6133; Fax: (613) 258-7853
Successful COPD Clinic concludes at Kemptville District Hospital
For immediate Release – May 18, 2007
Kemptville, ON, May 1, 2007 - Official statistics show
that more than 714,000 Canadians have been diagnosed with
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD is an umbrella term
for chronic bronchitis, emphysema and a range of other
disorders. It takes years to develop and most commonly is caused
by cigarette smoking. Other irritants like pollution, coal dust,
asbestos or solvents have also been linked to COPD.
One of the initiatives the Kemptville District Hospital
identified a number of months ago was the need to provide
patients with more information about how to manage the disease
while continuing to lead active lifestyles. A decision was made
to contact COPD patients who recently visited the hospital to
gauge interest for a six week education course. The response was
quite positive with many people wanting to know how to sign up.
The six week course has now come to an end where expert speakers
were invited each Tuesday afternoon to share information about
environmental concerns, pharmaceutical and equipment needs,
dietary considerations and tips for improved physical fitness.
The desire to share the information and reach even greater
numbers of people was also important for the hospital. That’s
where technology played a role by linking the Sturgeon Falls
Hospital and the Pembroke General via video conferencing,
permitting more patients to participate.
Kim Peterson, Director of Patient Services stressed “Our goal is
to help people learn how to manage their disease to lead
healthier lives. People have told us that just coming together
and sharing their stories have motivated them to learn more
about the disease.”
You can learn more about COPD by visiting the Lung Association
online at
www.lung.ca/breathworks.
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For more information, please contact:
Colin Goodfellow, Chief Executive Officer
Tel: 613-258-6133 x132
cgoodfellow@kdh.on.ca