WVU Medicine PCH opens sleep and pulmonary clinic

PRINCETON, WV (WVNS) — In a significant move to address serious respiratory issues in West Virginia, a brand-new sleep and pulmonary clinic has opened in Princeton.

The clinic is aimed toward providing specialized care for people with respiratory issues, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma, as well as sleep disorders.

West Virginia ranks highest for smoking rates out of all 50 states. As a result, the need for pulmonary care is higher in West Virginia than anywhere else in the country.

The new clinic will provide an essential role in caring for those who battle with these issues.

“I think it’s important for southern West Virginia. So there’s so much lung disease that occurs throughout West Virginia you know, we’ve got one of the highest smoking rates, the highest lung cancer rates. Now we’ve got minors that get black lung disease that can mimic and look like cancer,” said Dr. Tom Takubo, the Executive Vice President WVU Medicine for Provider Relations.

West Virginia ranks highest for COPD diagnoses in the country – with rates at nearly 14%. This is especially concerning in McDowell and Mercer counties, where the prevalence is even higher.

The clinic will help provide comprehensive care for patients struggling with respiratory conditions.

“Your primary care provider does an outstanding job of taking care of you. But sometimes they need expertise, whether it’s a neurologist or a cardiologist or a pulmonary sleep medicine person who can really help them guide the care of the patient. And we just haven’t had that,” added Karen Bowling, President and Chief Executive Officer WVU Princeton Community Hospital.

For individuals who are interested in setting up an appointment with the clinic potential patient’s primary care doctor can refer them to the clinic.

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