Bradley County Medical Center has launched a new cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program designed not only to strengthen patients’ health, but to offer encouragement, education and a sense of support during recovery.
The program, which began Nov. 3 on BCMC’s main campus, provides individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s diagnosis and personal goals. Respiratory Department Manager Sharee Williams said the staff is proud to offer a service that can make a meaningful difference in patients’ daily lives.
“These programs offer support to patients to regain strength, improve quality of life, and reduce hospital admissions,” Williams said. “We’re with them every step of the way.”
A major benefit is convenience. For years, many Bradley County patients traveled long distances for these same services. Now, they can receive the full continuum of rehab care close to home — reducing the stress of long drives and allowing more consistent participation.
The rehab program follows American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation guidelines and is available to patients with conditions such as heart attack within the past year, angina, cardiac bypass surgery, COPD, asthma and lung cancer among others.
Medical Director Dr. Bradley Biggers leads the program, supported by registered respiratory therapists Williams, Stephanie Slaughter and Mark Weeks — all AACVPR-certified in pulmonary rehab. Williams said the small team allows them to build personal connections with patients, many of whom return week after week.
A provider referral is required, and most patients attend about 36 sessions lasting one to two hours, two to three times per week. Sessions include exercise therapy, breathing training, smoking-cessation support, nutrition guidance and disease-management education.
The rehab space includes training stairs, a recumbent bike, weights, resistance bands and an arm ergometer. Therapists also teach airway-clearance and respiratory-muscle-strengthening techniques using Aerobika, VibraPEP, inspiratory and expiratory muscle trainers, SMI and peak-flow tools.
To help patients feel comfortable and confident, each session features a mix of exercises, stretching and guided breathing. Educational presentations play in the background, offering visual reinforcement, and patients receive handouts they can use to continue progress at home.
The team also closely monitors patient safety. Telemetry is tracked through ScottCare, allowing therapists to review data at any time and share updates with providers. Physicians receive updates after the first session, every 30 days and at discharge. Any session paused due to symptoms — such as heart-rate concerns — triggers immediate provider notification. Patients are re-evaluated every 30 days by the medical director and rehab staff.
“Watching patients grow stronger — not just physically but emotionally — is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do,” Williams said.
Most insurance plans cover the program. Patients are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, bring their personal inhaler if needed and, for diabetic patients without a continuous glucose monitor, bring a glucometer.
For more information and a full list of qualifying diagnoses, contact the Bradley County Medical Center Respiratory Department at 870-226-4325.
