Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory Therapy Service at Hamilton Health Sciences

Committed to:

• Quality Respiratory Services
• Teaching and Research
• Quality work life for all staff

Registered Respiratory Therapists (or RRTs) collaborate with several different health care teams and are typically seen handling emergencies or critical care scenarios.  RRTs offer a unique multi-faceted service in healthcare with  the majority working in various levels of critical care (Intensive Care Units and Emergency Rooms) with Adult, Paediatric and Neonatal patients.

Thousands of Canadians suffer from various forms of Cardio-Respiratory disorders/diseases. RRTs are often the first care providers involved in their  treatment, diagnosis and health education. RRTs are involved in the care of patients suffering from: Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Pneumonia, Congestive Heart Failure, Traumas, Strokes, Smoke Inhalation, Premature birth and Congenital Heart Defects. RRTs also work in the Operating Room, Pulmonary Diagnostics, Rehabilitation, Smoking Cessation, Home Care, Hyperbarics, Research, Education and Medical Sales.

The Respiratory Therapy profession in Canada was established in the mid 1960s with the extensive utilization of Mechanical Ventilators and Medical Gases in  Hospital settings. Almost 40 years later there are approximately 6,700 RRTs working in Canada with just over 2,300 in Ontario. Hamilton Health Sciences employs approximately 150 Respiratory Therapists.