July 20, 2009

Sleep specialists at RVH now sell sleep apnea products

Renfrew Victoria Hospital has extended its service for patients using hte sleep lab with the addition of a sales office where they can buy the products they need.

“This is the next natural step for our sleep service,” comments RVH CEO Randy Penney. “Patients in the sleep lab depend on the expertise of our caregivers, and we are pleased to now be able to help them select the right products and the replacement components they need.”

RVH Sleep Products opened for business on Monday, June 29. Operated by the hospital’s registered respiratory therapist and registered polysomnographic technologist, it sells the leading brands of C.P.A.P. (continuous positive airway pressure) machines and the masks, filters, tubing and related products they require.

A C.P.A.P. machine is often prescribed for patients diagnosed with sleep apnea, or disruptions in breathing during sleep. The machine delivers a continuous flow of pressurized air which pushes against the throat tissues and keeps the airway open.

Proper-fitting masks are required for effective C.P.A.P. therapy, and regular replacement of the masks and filters is essential for hygienic treatment.

“We are delighted to be able to offer this professional level of sales service for our patients,” says Penney. “This will reduce their need to travel to make necessary purchases, and provide them with the assurance that they are receiving expert advice on the selections they make.”

RVH has been providing a regional sleep care service for the past 10 years, led by Respirologist Dr. Judith Leech, the former head of sleep medicine at The Ottawa Hospital and currently chair of the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons’ Task Force on Sleep Medicine.

The RVH sleep clinic has earned a solid reputation for quality care over the years and serves a regional catchment area that stretches from Deep River and Whitney in the west, to Cloyne and Perth in the south, and Almonte and Arnprior in the east.

The sleep lab expanded earlier this year from three to five beds in order to meet increasing demand with an average wait time of just three or four weeks.

“We are fully committed to providing the best possible sleep care for the people we serve,” comments Penney. “This is an important component of that commitment.”

Penney also notes that funds generated by the sleep product sales will help to diversify the hospital’s revenue stream, in accordance with current Ministry of Health directions for health care providers to alleviate public spending pressures.

“This is a good business decision that will help us meet the challenge of these difficult economic times,” says the CEO. “When you can combine improved service with financial accountability, you are making a wise strategic move.”

RVH Sleep Products is located at 500 Raglan Street North, in the lower level of the clinic building directly across the street from the hospital. The sales office is open Mondays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesdays from noon to 6 p.m., and Wednesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. VISA, American Express, Mastercard and debit card transactions are accepted.

To learn more about RVH Sleep Products, phone 613-432-8259 or visit the RVH website at www.renfrewhosp.com/sleep.

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(For more information, contact RVH CEO Randy Penney, 613-432-4851, ext. 260.)