Quality Healthcare in a Friendly, Caring Environment

As the full-service healthcare facility for coastal Douglas County, Lower Umpqua Hospital is proud to offer the full spectrum of modern health services with a comfortable, friendly small-town ambience.

Choose the department of interest to jump ahead to applicable information:

Acute Care Nursing

Lower Umpqua Hospital's Acute Care department consists of 22 medical surgical patient beds, two ICU rooms, and a three-bed emergency room. Lower Umpqua Hospital has over 1800 emergency room and 1200 out-patient visits every year.

Our modern medical surgical floor has both private and semi-private rooms, selected on a patient-to-patient basis and determined by the patient's medical condition and availability. Our staff of highly-trained RNs, LPNs, CNAs and Restorative Aides offer round-the-clock care for injuries, illnesses and post-surgical care. They are attentive, friendly, and professional.

Our Discharge Planner and nursing staff will carefully review all necessary instructions with patients at the time of discharge, including prescribed medications, diet, and how to contact the hospital or a physician with questions or concerns.
 

Respiratory Therapy Services

Pulmonary Medicine addresses a broad spectrum of conditions that affect the way we breathe. Our lung specialists, including internal medicine physicians, and registered respiratory therapists, work with our family practice physicians to provide comprehensive care to patients suffering from a broad spectrum of illnesses (including pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and neuromuscular disorders) and provide support for patients recovering from surgeries, trauma, cardiac / respiratory arrest and metabolic disorders.

The Pulmonary/Cardiac Laboratory provides diagnostic screening services (Pulmonary function testing, Cardiac Stress Testing, Event and Holter monitoring) that assist our medical staff in the diagnosis of the heart and lung conditions such as:

• Pulmonary Fibrosis
• Emphysema
• Asthma
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Oxygen Consumption Exercise Studies
• Screening for heart disease

The Pulmonary/Cardiac Laboratory provides comprehensive diagnostic services in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Located on the lower floor of the hospital, the PFT/Cardiac lab is open Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

The Respiratory Therapy Department at Lower Umpqua Hospital assists in improving pulmonary function and quality of life for many people. All respiratory care services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to patients ranging in age from newborn to seniors. Every member of the Respiratory Therapy team holds national certification/registration and is licensed by the State of Oregon as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.

The Respiratory Therapy Department treats patients with pulmonary disorders but not limited to: asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis and emphysema.

Our Respiratory Therapy staff also provides the therapeutic services to its patients:

• Bronchodilator Therapy
• Pulmonary Hygiene Therapy
• Invasive mechanical ventilation
• Non-invasive mechanical ventilation
• Oxygen therapy
• Arterial Blood Gas Analysis
• Chest Physiotherapy
• Neonatal Services

For those patients suffering from COPD, asthma, and other chronic pulmonary conditions, the hospital hosts the Reedsport Chapter Better Breathers Club, an outstanding support and education group described more fully in the Classes section.

Nutritional Services

Lower Umpqua Hospital has an excellent Nutritional Services department located downstairs. The public is welcome to stop in at the cafeteria during mealtimes and try the excellent food prepared there for patients, extended care residents and staff. Breakfast is offered between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. Lunch is served mid-day from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and dinner is available between 5 and 6 p.m.

The LUH Nutritional Services department is glad to help you and your doctor meet your special nutritional requirements. Vegetarian meals are available as are substitutions for those on special eating plans. Talk to your physician in advance to make sure he or she is in agreement with your requests.

For anyone interested in nutritional counseling for diabetes or other conditions that require a change in eating habits, a registered dietitian is available twice a month to help. For an appointment with the dietician, please call the hospital at 271-2171 or talk to your physician about a referral.
 

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Emergency Services

It takes a special team to meet the challenge of providing emergency care under what are often unique and adverse conditions. Lower Umpqua Hospital's highly-skilled group in Emergency Services rises admirably to that challenge. The team includes Paramedics and EMT-Intermediates who provide Advanced Life Support care 24 hours a day for our community and surrounding areas. They are active participants in the Paramed Ambulance Membership Program and host or co-sponsor many community safety and first aid programs.

Extended Care Services

Our Extended Care Unit provides long-term care for those in our community who can no longer care for themselves or be cared for by family members or in-home caregivers. The majority of the residents in this 29-bed wing are permanent, and it is our goal to provide quality care while allowing residents to maintain their self-care abilities for as long as possible.

While the ECU is 100% occupied at this time, a waiting list is offered. Click here for more information regarding the ECU and to consider future openings.

Intensive Care

When the need is acute, our two-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) offers specialized, one-to-one care by specially-trained staff.

Laboratory

Recent Laboratory renovations allow for increased efficiency and organization in the delivery of services. State of the art chemistry and hematology analyzers have enhanced the available testing services. Outpatient services are available Monday through Friday, 8:00AM-5:00PM, and Saturday, 8:00AM-noon. The Laboratory is fully accredited.

ParaMed Services

Many families appreciate the peace of mind that ParaMed membership offers. For only $55 per year per family, this program helps to offset the high costs of emergency ambulance service. For additional details and an enrollment form, click here, or call 271-3750 for more information.

For emergency ambulance services, dial 911.

Radiology

This department provides Lower Umpqua Hospital patients with access to a full range of radiological services, using state of the art equipment and with a skilled technical staff. Capabilities include:

• CT Helical Scanner with 3D capabilities
• Dexa
• FDA-certified Mammography machine
• Fluoroscopy
• MRI service
• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiography
• Ultrasound (with echocardiogram capability)

All on-site technologists are CT and Mammography certified and, in addition, our ultrasound technologist is certified in OB/GYN, abdominal and vascular technologies.

The department's regular hours at Monday through Friday, 7:00AM-6:00PM. Call-back coverage is additionally available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Mammography

A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray of the breast. It is currently the most effective method of detecting breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. Early detection of breast cancer may allow more treatment options. It could mean saving your breast or your life.

Please remember the American Cancer Society now recommends annual mammography screenings for women age 40 and over. This screening can save your life. Please contact your primary care physician before scheduling, as a prescription is required for insurance coverage. Women at high risk should have mammograms more often. The risk of breast cancer increases as a woman ages, if she has never had children, or is she had her first child after age 30. Studies also suggest that the risk may be higher for women who eat high-fat diets and those who smoke cigarettes. If you are not sure how frequently you should have a mammogram, consult your physician.

CT Scan

A CAT (computerized axial tomography) scan is a test that combines x-rays with computer imaging to give a very detailed picture of the human body. This test, also called a CT scan, provides x-ray pictures of cross-sectional views, like slices through a loaf of bread, of just about any organ or body party.

The test is done by a registered technologist in the Radiology Department. The radiologist, a doctor who specializes in the use of x-rays for medical; diagnosis, will study the x-ray and report results to your personal physician. The test usually takes an hour to complete.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine involves the use of radioactive materials, or isotopes, to obtain specific diagnostic information. These isotopes transmit a pattern of rays representing the organ size, shape, and function. The rays are detected by a special camera, than produced on a computer screen. Information fathered during a nuclear medicine exam is more comprehensive than other imaging procedures because it describes organ function, not just structure. The result is that many diseases and cancers can be diagnosed much earlier.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound, also known as sonography, is imaging that uses sound waves to produce images of organs, vessels and tissues in the body. A small hand-held device called a transducer is placed in contact with the patient's skin at the area to be studied. The transducer emits high frequency sound waves and humans cannot hear. These sound waves pass through the body and send back echoes as they bounce off organs, vessels and tissues. With the help of computers, the echoes are then converted to form an image.

Ultrasounds are safe to use for fetal imaging because they use sound waves instead of radiation. Having an ultrasound when you are pregnant helps to interpret the fetal position, delivery date, gender and multiple babies.

Ultrasounds are being used to throughout medicine to help detect breast cysts and gallstones. They are also used to examine the liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, colon, and urinary bladder for tumors, inflammation, stones or cysts.

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an imagining technique that uses a magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to compose detailed cross-sectional images of human anatomy. MRI's produce better quality images of soft-tissue compared to x-rays. MRI's are most commonly used to image the brain, spine, thorax, vascular system and musculoskeletal system.

DEXA

Bone density scanning, also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DECA) or bone densitometry, is an enhanced form of x-ray technology that is used to measure bone loss. DEXA is today's established standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD).

DEXA is most often performed on the lower spine and hips. Portable DEXA devices, including some that use ultrasound waves rather than x-rays, measure the wrist, fingers or heel, are sometimes used for screening purposes.

Rehabilitation (Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy)

Rehabilitation Services are available at Lower Umpqua Hospital including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Language Pathology.

Our Staff includes 3 Masters prepared Physical Therapists (including a specialist in wound care), one Physical Therapist Assistant, one Occupational Therapist and one Speech Therapist.

Physical Therapy includes treatment for:

Physical therapy restores function or accommodates disability after illness, motor vehicle accident, surgery, work injury, or fracture. We are specialists in designing therapeutic exercise programs, instructing in body mechanics, gait training and balance retraining. PTs have multiple modalities to modify pain and swelling. Therapy is also available in the pool, creating a gentle environment.


Our Physical Therapists evaluate their patients’ current functional level and design a plan of treatment to reach each patient’s functional goals. Physical therapy is covered by most insurance and can be arranged through one’s physician. Please call 271-6318 for more information.

Occupational Therapy:

Occupational therapy is the therapeutic use of everyday life activities to promote health and wellness by addressing physical, cognitive, psycho social and sensory performance enhancement. This is achieved through focus on activities of daily living, upper extremity abilities, cognition, body structures, behavior patterns, performance skills, adaptations, education and training. At LUH this might include arm and hand disabilities, neurological disease, cardiopulmonary effects, orthopedic disorders, functional inability and aging issues. Diagnoses that would benefit from occupational therapy include arm and hand injuries, arthritis, MS, Parkinsons, strokes, brain injuries, COPD, ergonomic and work issues, joint replacements, sight and hearing issues, and decreased ability to care for one's self. Occupational therapy can be accessed through a physician's referral.

Speech Therapy can be provided in the hospital, on an outpatient basis, or through our Home Health program.

Specialists Clinic

Lower Umpqua Hospital is fortunate to include on our staff a dedicated group of specialists. These exceptional physicians provide specialized care in the areas of ophthalmology, podiatry, urology, and orthopedics. The Specialists Clinic facility, located on the hospital's lower level, offers convenient consultation and treatment for orthopedic patients. Please call 271-6377 in advance for an appointment. All other specialists use the Specialty Clinic Annex at 385 Ranch Road, next to Reedsport Medical Clinic. Appointments for these specialists can be made by contacting their main offices. For general questions regarding the specialists and their scheduled days at the Specialist Clinic, contact the Orthopedic Clinic receptionist at 271-6377.

Surgery (Inpatient & Outpatient)

Two fully-equipped surgical suites and a recovery/procedure room meet most every need for inpatient or outpatient surgery. Services include ear, nose and throat surgery; endoscopy; ophthalmology; orthopedics; and general surgical procedures.

A two-hour advance check-in is required prior to scheduled surgery at Lower Umpqua Hospital. We ask friends and family to wait either in the patient's room or the main lobby: advise the nursing station of where you will be, and the physician will speak with you immediately following surgery.