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7 75 Years of Rebuilding Lives | 1941-2016 Maximizing outcomes Our pulmonary specialty evolves to serve where it can do the most good, says longtime pulmonologist Dr. John Votto. "e community's always been a pretty big part of it," he said, when it comes to addressing health needs. HSC's pulmonary special- ists design programs to keep patients out of the hospital, in this case, by helping them learn to breathe better, with treatment customized just for them. COPD — Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a progres- sive lung disease — calls for a comprehensive approach, which includes smoking cessation if needed, nutrition consultation, education, physical therapy and occupational therapy, among other treatments. Group settings with other COPD patients are also helpful for mutual support, said Votto, who served as CEO of the hospital from 1997 through 2016. While HSC has had chronic lung disease and pulmonary re- habilitation initiatives in place for decades, it has emerged as a true leader overall in regional pulmonary initiatives. For ex- ample, HSC offers one of the nation's largest ventilator wean- ing units. "ough located in Connecticut, the impact of our comprehensive efforts are widespread," said Votto, with patients coming out of state, from Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York. We have a 70-percent success rate," for ventilator weaning — the withdrawal of ventilatory support — one of the highest in the U.S., he says. After ventilator weaning is complete, the hospital offers out- patient pulmonary rehabilitation to give patients the tools they need to stay as independent as possible — and out of the hos- pital. HSC will continue to stay informed, lead the industry, and guide those with chronic conditions, such as lung disease, to a more robust life. "We help them manage their way … we are a regional hospital, and our impact goes well beyond the borders of Connecticut and our outcomes are among the best in the world." n PULMONARY CARE Pulmonary Disease Management • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) • Asthma • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) • Cystic fibrosis • Hypoventilation syndrome • Interstitial lung disease • Neuromuscular conditions and spinal cord injuries • Sleep disordered breathing Specialized Respiratory Services • Advanced patient assessment • Bedside tracheoscopy • Bronchopulmonary hygiene • Bronchoscopy • Chest tubes • Complex tracheostomy care • COPD disease management and wellness program • Hi-flow oxygen • Lung expansion therapy • Non-invasive ventilation and acclimation • Oxygen titration and procurement of equipment for discharge • Pulmonary rehabilitation • Sleep disorder management • Smoking cessation • Thoracentesis • Ventilator weaning