Complex Respiratory Program

The Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Pediatric Unit has a Complex Respiratory Program designed to treat children, from birth to age 21, with acute or chronic lung disease with varying oxygen or ventilatory needs. 

Our clinical staff works as a team to wean or simplify respiratory support for infants and children who require oxygen, artificial airways or mechanical ventilation.

Also known as NICU Graduate or “Baby Steps,” our program’s aim is to optimize children’s respiratory function to prevent complications, advance their mobility and self-care and improve communication.

The Complex Respiratory Program is designed to:

  • Enable sufficient vent flow, which can only be provided in an acute-care setting such as the Pediatric Unit
  • Deliver better respiratory function for children by building up their strength, enhancing their body positioning and increasing their overall endurance — all through intensive, team-based therapy
  • Gradually decrease children’s dependence on a ventilator as function improves
  • Educate parent/caregiver on how to use and care for respiratory equipment, such as ventilators

Complex Respiratory Conditions We Treat

  • Ventilator dependence
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Chronic Lung Disease with Oxygen dependence
  • Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
  • Asthma
  • Tracheomalacia
  • Extreme prematurity
  • Pulmonary Hypertension

Multidisciplinary Care Team

  • Pediatric physiatrist
  • Nursing
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Recreational therapy
  • Respiratory therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Care management
  • Neuropsychology
  • Counseling
  • Dietary

Respiratory Therapy Services

Our respiratory therapists are highly-skilled in education, treatment and maintenance of patients diagnosed with both acute and chronic pulmonary disorders. Our respiratory therapists are experienced in caring for pediatric patients requiring:

  • Oxygen therapy
  • Respiratory medication therapy
  • Ventilator management
  • Pulmonary function testing
  • Secretion management
  • Medication administration
  • Tracheotomy management and care
  • Transition to home training

What to Expect

The interdisciplinary clinical team at Good Shepherd evaluates each child and creates an individualized care plan to meet his or her unique needs. During his or her stay, each child receives daily medical management by a board-certified pediatrician and therapy, which may include: respiratory, physical, occupational, speech and/or recreational.

The child’s family is an integral part of the rehabilitation team. His or her family will participate in weekly meetings to develop goals, assess progress and discuss the treatment plan. Upon discharge, family/patient education is provided to ensure that each child is safely transitioned home with maximum functional capacity and independence.

Contact Us to Get Started Today

To request an evaluation, call 1.888.44.REHAB (73422) or fill out the form below.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.