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Patients and Families
Ventilator Weaning Program
Barlow Respiratory Hospital is a long-term acute care hospital (LTCH) serving chronically critically ill patients and the destination of choice for weaning patients from prolonged mechanical ventilation. Patients are referred to Barlow from hospital intensive care units (ICUs) in the Los Angeles metropolitan area and Southern California. Over 300 patients a year are discharged from our Ventilator Weaning Program.
Barlow Respiratory Hospital was the first hospital in California and the only one on the West Coast to achieve designation as Passy-Muir Center of Excellence, recognized for treating patients with tracheostomies, on and off the ventilator.
As a long-term acute care hospital ( LTCH ), Barlow provides similar types of care your family member received in the ICU at an acute care hospital. The average number of days a patient stays at Barlow is around 28 days, as we establish your goals of care, treatment, and discharge plan.
Different From the ICU
You will see that Barlow Respiratory Hospital is different from the ICU. For example, the nurse-to-patient staffing ratio is different, so the wait time to see your nurse or non-medical staff may be longer than you are accustomed to. We understand that can be uncomfortable. And diagnostic or surgical procedures may require scheduling an off-site visit. This is not unique to Barlow, but is one of the ways an LTCH like Barlow is different from the ICU. Despite those things that are different and difficult to get used to, we are here to provide the best possible care and to achieve the best possible outcome.
Barlow provides the opportunity for continued attempts to wean from the ventilator. Over half of the patients who come to Barlow for weaning are weaned in less than two weeks using our TIPS© weaning protocol.
You will be assessed daily for weaning readiness and ability, but weaning attempts cannot continue indefinitely. It is our goal to be able to wean you from the ventilator, but you could also be discharged partially weaned such as only on the ventilator at night, or discharged still ventilator-dependent. Our Case Managers will work with you and your family to establish your discharge plan. You will be discharged to the next level of care, whether that is home or to another facility, when your physician decides you are ready.
Our Ventilator Weaning Program teams work together to care for you. The team consists of: pulmonologists, critical care physicians, registered nurses, respiratory therapists, rehabilitation professionals (physical, occupational, and speech language pathologists), clinical dietitians, case managers, social workers, and pharmacists. We were founded in 1902 and are dedicated to achieve best outcomes for quality of life.
View a Video Tour of our hospitals
We believe the best way to really know if Barlow is right for your loved one is to visit us in advance for a tour.
We know how difficult it is to adjust to different care settings. At Barlow Respiratory Hospital, some things will be different from previous hospitalizations and some things that seem routine in other hospitals are not available in an LTCH setting. Patients and families can always ask questions and can let us know if you have questions or concerns. Your doctor or the charge nurse on duty can help. Or you can request a family meeting to bring members of your clinical care team together. At Barlow Respiratory Hospital our mission is to make a positive difference in your life!
Admissions Book
“ADMISSIONS BOOK” a comprehensive guide to Barlow Respiratory Hospital services and resources
When you or your loved one is admitted to Barlow Respiratory Hospital, our team will provide you with a copy of the Barlow Respiratory Hospital Admissions Book. This includes information that explains what services you may receive, what to expect during your stay and resources that you may find helpful. You will also be required to sign several documents. You may wish to download and complete these in advance, or simply complete them on arrival for admission to Barlow Respiratory Hospital.
Thank you for trusting Barlow Respiratory Hospital to provide care for you or your loved one. It is our mission to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. If you have any questions or concerns with your care, please ask for the Charge Nurse or Nursing Director.
Admissions Documents