NL Health Services Hosts Atlantic Roundtable on World COPD Day

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is recognizing World COPD Day today by hosting for the first time the INSPIRED Atlantic Roundtable. INSPIRED stands for: Implementing a Novel and Supportive Program of Individualized Care for Patients and Families Living with Respiratory Disease.  

This day is designated annually to promote awareness for COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a debilitating lung disease that results in progressive airway dysfunction. The roundtable brings together experts to discuss respiratory disease, innovation and community-based respiratory programming. 

“We are committed to changing the future of respiratory illness in this province,” said Dr. Gokul Vidyasankar, medical director and division head of respirology with NL Health Services. “By drawing worldwide attention to respiratory diseases and holding roundtable meetings to collaborate and share ideas, we hope to improve the lives of those living with lung diseases such as COPD and asthma.” 

NL Health Services administers the Comprehensive Respiratory Care program to improve and promote lung health. The program acts as a bridge between acute and community care, while improving access to specialized evidenced-based care for patients living with respiratory disease. The strategy includes multiple components, including the INSPIRED COPD outreach program.  

“Hosting the roundtable event is a great opportunity to engage with professionals through meaningful, patient-centred conversation to further develop the Comprehensive Respiratory Care program,” said Ashley Ryan, division manager of innovation with NL Health Services. “The proven success of the INSPIRED COPD outreach program for those living with respiratory disease is a key example of how NL Health Services is working with patients and their families to help them gain a better quality of life.” 

The Comprehensive Respiratory Care program is referral-based, and appointments with the team are arranged through an individual’s health-care provider. Individuals who believe that the program may be of benefit to them or their family are encouraged to contact their primary health-care provider for more information.  

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About NL Health Services  
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is responsible for delivering quality health-care to approximately 541,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The provincial health authority is supported by over 23,000 employees and physicians who together work to improve the health and well-being of every person, in every community. Guided by the vision of Health Accord NL, NL Health Services offers a comprehensive range of health-care programs and services through a wide network of facilities, clinics, and community services across five zones: Central, Eastern-Rural, Eastern-Urban, Labrador-Grenfell, and Western.   

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