Derry, New Hampshire – Parkland Medical Center has earned Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) under a national program aimed at helping patients and families make informed decisions about the quality of the respiratory care services available at hospitals. About 700 hospitals or approximately 15 percent of hospitals in the United States have applied for and received this award.

Respiratory therapists are specially trained healthcare professionals who work under physician’s orders to provide a wide range of breathing treatments and other services to people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, AIDS, and other lung and lung-related conditions. They also care for premature infants and are key members of lifesaving response teams charged with handling medical emergencies.

“Our quality respiratory care staff provides accurate diagnosis and compassionate, effective treatment for people with acute and chronic lung conditions. We are proud of Parkland’s team of respiratory therapists who work with patients to help them get healthy and stay healthy.” stated Chris Accashian, CEO of Parkland Medical Center.

“Achieving this recognition is a team effort and the Respiratory Care department is proud to provide care and education to our patients and their families,” stated Marie Muti, RRT, manager of respiratory care at Parkland Medical Center.

The QRCR program was started by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) in 2003 to help consumers identify those hospitals using qualified respiratory therapists to provide respiratory care. Hospitals earning the QRCR designation ensure patient safety by agreeing to adhere to a strict set of criteria governing their respiratory care services. Hospitals that meet the QRCR requirements provide a level of respiratory care consistent with national standards and guidelines.