(Saint John) October 23, 2015 - From October 25 - October 31, 2015, Horizon Health Network will proudly celebrate Respiratory Therapy Week by highlighting the significant contributions respiratory therapists (RTs) make to the health care system.

Over 350 registered RTs work in New Brunswick, specializing in airway management and the treatment of respiratory related conditions such as asthma, COPD (emphysema), congestive heart failure and other respiratory illnesses. They also educate patients and their families regarding respiratory conditions and associated treatments.

"Respiratory therapists are instrumental in saving lives," said Kathy Kowalski, Director of Electrodiagnostics and Respiratory Therapy for Horizon Health Network. "Their role touches every area of the health care system, from emergency departments to intensive care units to neonatal nurseries."

To help celebrate Respiratory Therapy Week, the Respiratory Therapy department at the Saint John Regional Hospital (SJRH) will be hosting events in the main lobby, including an "Aerochamber Exchange and Puffer Teaching Clinic", Monday to Friday from 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.  Respiratory therapists will be on hand to instruct patients on the proper use of respiratory medications and patients will have the opportunity to trade in the old AeroChamber (spacer) for a brand new one, sponsored by Trudell Medical.

An Open House in the Respiratory Therapy Department at the SJRH will take place on Wednesday, October 28th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., featuring respiratory care equipment, smoking cessation information and free lung screening tests and pulse oximetry.

"This is an exciting opportunity for our patients and the public to learn more about the essential work being done by our RTs," said Kowalski. "We look forward to sharing our services and presenting some of the vital equipment used by our team."

The New Brunswick Community College Respiratory Therapy program has trained students at the Tucker Park campus in Saint John since 1989. The program is fully accredited and is currently celebrating a 100% success rate for its 2015 graduates on the national credentialing exam.  There are currently 125 RTs and RT students living, working and studying in Saint John and the surrounding area.