Respiratory Airway Clearance Service
The Respiratory Airway Clearance Service supports individuals who have difficulty clearing sputum (mucus) from their airways. We provide medical care and assessments, supporting your breathing and improving airway health.
Who We Help
This program supports individuals aged 18 and older with:
- Chronic respiratory conditions (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis)
- Difficulty clearing mucus
- Respiratory weakness or reduced lung function
What to Expect
During your stay, you will receive:
Personalized care plan:
Developed collaboratively by an interprofessional team
Assessment:
Assessment of your respiratory function and mucus clearance challenges
Education and support:
Providing techniques for clearing mucus from your airways
Family and care partner involvement:
Encouragement for care partners to participate in care planning and therapy sessions.
Key Benefits
Specialized care:
Access to a multidisciplinary team providing coordinated, person-centered care.
Improved ability to clear mucus from your airways.
Better lung function and breathing capacity.
How to Access the Service
For Patients and Care Partners:
Speak with your healthcare provider about a referral to our program.
For Referring Partners
Patients can be referred using the Rehabilitation Therapy Centre Outpatient Referral Form.
Eligibility criteria
- 18 years of age or older and medically stable.
- Difficulty clearing secretions – resulting in increased cough, frequent respiratory infections or increased shortness of breath.
Appointment & Discharge Information
What to Bring
- Your Ontario Health Card
- Adaptive aids including walkers, wheelchairs, hearing aids, etc.
- A water bottle
- An up-to-date list of all medications you are taking using, including non-prescription, vitamin, and herbal preparations
You may bring and use cell phones and tablets; however, to protect the privacy of others, please do not take photos of people in the hospital without first asking permission. When using a device, please use headphones.
You are encouraged not to bring valuables. Providence Care is not responsible for the loss, theft or damage of any personal belongings. If you need to contact Lost and Found, please call 613-544-4900 ext. 51053.
What to Wear
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to wear to therapy
- Supportive shoes with good traction and secure fit
What to Expect
- Appointments take place in a quiet, private outpatient clinic at Providence Care Hospital. Report to Registration on level 1.
- After registering, proceed to the Rehabilitation Therapy Centre located directly across from registration.
Discharge
Your care team will continually assess your readiness for discharge and coordinate any necessary supports such as referrals for community services.
When you are discharged from the program, there are many things to keep in mind. When you are being discharged:
- Ask for explanations and written instructions about your care and your medications.
- Make sure you and/or your care partner understand the instructions, including what medications to take, how to take them, and when to take them.
- Ask and be informed of appointments that have to be made when you are discharged, how to contact the providers, and to understand the reason for each appointment and what information you will need to bring with you.
- Know who you should call if you have questions after discharge – write down contact names and phone numbers or have a member of the care team provide this information to you in writing.
For more information, please speak to a member of your care team.
Contact Information
Providence Care Hospital
752 King St W, Kingston, ON K7L 4X3
613-544-4900
Hours of Operation
Our facilities operate 24/7, but building access and available services vary by location and time of day. Some entrances may be locked, and ID badge or intercom access may be required.
Clinic and outpatient service hours also differ. Please contact your specific care area or clinic for details.
Program Secretary
613-544-4900, ext. 53231
Program Manager
613-544-4900, ext. 51361
Director, Rehabilitative Care
613-544-4900, ext. 51360
Vice President, Patient Care, Long-Term Care and Chief Nursing Executive
613-544-4900, ext. 53391
