Canadore College says there are currently no wait times for services at the local Centre for Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
This after the centre, which operates out of The Village at Canadore, expanded in January, offering both virtual and in-person services, free of charge.
Officials say both feature the same exercises and educational programs for patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common lung disease causing restricted airflow and breathing problems.
“Currently, only one to two percent of COPD patients in Ontario have access to pulmonary rehabilitation,” said Dr. Maya DeZoysa, Respirologist and Director of Pulmonary Rehabilitation at the CPR. “Considering how much of an impact pulmonary rehabilitation can have on breathing and improving symptoms for those with COPD, increasing the availability in North Bay is significant.”
The Centre has been providing pulmonary rehabilitation services locally for 18 years.
“Clinics like the Centre for Pulmonary Rehabilitation are the reason we created The Village in the first place,” said George Burton, Canadore President and CEO. “To provide practical experience for our students and much-needed healthcare for our communities.”
The college says the expansion of the pulmonary rehabilitation program means more hands-on learning opportunities for Canadore’s students.
