The Asthma Centre at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (OSMH) provides treatment, support, education and self-management skills for people with asthma and their families. All patients are seen on the referral of a physician. We also act as a resource for other allied healthcare workers regarding asthma management.

  

Together with your doctor, our goal is to help you understand and gain control of your asthma, so you can enjoy a healthy lifestyle. We provide a multi-faceted assessment of the patient using breathing tests (spirometry) and well as a preliminary respiratory assessment of the patient’s medications, device use and evaluation of possible triggers and suggestions on how to avoid them. On later visits you may meet with a physician.

 

A multidisciplinary paediatric team will see all paediatric patients. This team is comprised of a Paediatrician, Asthma Educator, Social Worker, and Dietician. Our adult asthma patients will be seen by a team comprised of an Asthma Educator and/or Internal Medicine/Respirology physician.

 

There are three steps to your visit to the Asthma Centre:

 

Step 1: Initial Visit

When your doctor refers you to the centre you can expect a basic assessment and individual counseling with education about asthma to meet your personal needs. Our Asthma Educator will create an Action Plan for you based upon your doctor’s orders. We may also do a breathing test (spirometry) if appropriate.

 

Step 2: Reassessment

You will meet with the educator and your specialist. The success of your treatment will be evaluated and your treatment plan modified to meet your needs.

 

Step 3: Follow up visits

The centre will arrange for follow up visits with the team to help keep you on track, and you and/or your child healthy. These appointments generally occur every 4 to 6 months.