News & Media

October, 2007

FATIMA HOSPITAL EXPANDS SLEEP DISORDER LAB

Fatima Hospital officials have announced a major expansion of its Sleep Disorders Lab in response to a growing demand for diagnostic services related to sleep and breathing disorders.

The Sleep Disorders Lab, opened in 1992, has doubled in size from 2 to 4 beds and has added clinical staff as part of its expansion. The expanded facility will dramatically shorten the wait time for a sleep study, usually to less than two weeks.

Under the direction of Dr. William Beliveau, Medical Director, the Sleep Disorders Lab employs two licensed Respiratory Therapists, two Registered Polysomnographic Technologists, two Registered-eligible technicians, two additional technicians, per diem staff and a full time secretary.

"Lack of sleep is caused by a range of medical issues, including sleep apnea (irregular night time breathing), stress or nutritional issues", stated Dr. Beliveau. "It is important that our area's primary care physicians be able to get timely sleep study reports to aid in their diagnosis, and our expansion meets that need", he continued.

The Sleep Disorders Lab provides comfortable overnight accommodations to patients, including a private bathroom. The patient's sleep is monitored and measured against a number of proven criteria ,and a preliminary report is delivered to the patient's physician on a same day basis. Pre-test visits and orientations are offered to patients who want to improve their comfort level with the procedure.

For information or to make a referral, call 401 456-3972.