Center for Respiratory Excellence
Your Trusted Partner in
Pulmonary Care
Transitions Healthcare Washington PA delivers advanced, high-acuity respiratory care for ventilator-dependent patients through a proven, outcomes-driven program established in 2011. With more than a decade of experience, specialized in-house expertise, and robust clinical infrastructure, we provide confidence at every transition from hospital to post-acute care.
Why Referral Partners Choose Us
- Established ventilator program since 2011
- Advanced 24/7 pulmonary care beyond traditional Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) capabilities
- Measurable respiratory assessments, at least 3x daily
- In-house respiratory team with physician leadership
- Purpose-built ventilator unit and infrastructure with centralized monitoring
- Compassionate, patient-centered approach
In-House Respiratory Expertise
Respiratory care is delivered by full-time, in-house respiratory staff, providing consistent coverage and continuity of care.
Medical Leadership:
Dr. Azmat Qayyum, MD
Board-certified in pulmonary disease, sleep medicine, and critical care medicine. Dr. Qayyum has served as Attending Pulmonologist since 2015 and provides expert oversight of our ventilator and pulmonary program.
Respiratory Leadership:
Tiffany Nelson, CRT
Board-certified respiratory therapist with over 15 years of long-term care experience. As Director of Respiratory, Tiffany oversees ventilator & tracheostomy services, ensuring quality, safety, and best practices.
Our ventilator and respiratory care program has been serving complex patients for over a decade. This longevity reflects deep clinical experience, continuous program refinement, and a sustained commitment to respiratory excellence.
Referral partners trust our team to manage high-acuity ventilator patients with precision, consistency, and safety.
Ventilator patients receive structured respiratory assessments at least three times daily. Each encounter includes evaluation of:
• Airway patency and secretion management
• Breath sounds before and after treatment
• Need for suctioning and therapeutic response
This frequent, standardized monitoring allows for early identification of respiratory changes and timely clinical intervention.
Our respiratory team closely monitors ventilator settings to ensure therapy is tailored and optimized for each patient. This includes:
• Ventilator mode, pressures, volumes & FiO₂
• Lung compliance and airway pressures
• Alarm verification and safety thresholds
Emergency preparedness is built into every room, with bedside verification of spare tracheostomy equipment and resuscitation resources to ensure rapid response when needed.
Our respiratory care model prioritizes measurable outcomes—not just task completion. Clinicians document patient response before and after every treatment, tracking:
• Improved airflow
• Reduced work of breathing
• Decreased shortness of breath
• Improved respiratory and heart rates
This data-driven approach supports individualized care planning and ongoing respiratory optimization.
Well-equipped to support high-acuity respiratory needs, including:
• 28 dedicated ventilator beds, centrally located near the nurses’ station for enhanced monitoring
• Up to 30 liters of piped-in oxygen capacity
• Central suction access to support airway management
This infrastructure allows for safe, efficient care delivery in a setting designed specifically for ventilator-dependent patients.
Routine tracheostomy assessments focus on skin integrity, stoma condition, and early signs of irritation or drainage.
This proactive approach supports infection prevention, long-term airway stability, and patient comfort.
Ready to Refer a Ventilator Patient?
When discharge planning requires advanced respiratory expertise, Transitions Healthcare Washington PA is prepared to accept high-acuity ventilator patients with confidence and continuity.
Our experienced in-house respiratory team, purpose-built ventilator unit, and established program ensure a smooth transition from hospital to post-acute care—without compromising safety or outcomes.
Speak with our Admissions Team
Have a patient ready for transfer or need to discuss clinical criteria? Our team is available to coordinate referrals, answer clinical questions, and support timely placement.
Let us be your trusted partner in respiratory care.
Transitions Healthcare Washington PA
90 Humbert Lane, Washington, PA 15301
Phone: 724-228-4740
Fax: 724-228-9890
Refer a Patient Online
Refer a respiratory patient now via our referral form below for a prompt response from our admissions team: