Sleep Disorders Center re-accredited

    PRESQUE ISLE — The Aroostook Medical Center’s Sleep Disorders Center in Presque Isle recently received program re-accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).     “The American Academy of Sleep Medicine congratulates The Aroostook Medical Center’s Sleep Disorders Center on fulfilling the high standards required for receiving re-accreditation,” said Dr. Mary Susan Esther, AASM president. “The center is a significant resource to the local medical community and provides quality care for patients suffering from sleep disorders.”
    TAMC’s Sleep Disorders Center is the only accredited sleep program in Aroostook County. The center recently expanded in order to meet the growing demand for sleep medicine services in the region.
    “Instead of two studies a night, we’re now capable of doing four, right here in the Sleep Disorders Center,” said Dr. David Weed, medical director of TAMC’s sleep program. “Our expanded facility is comfortable and inviting. Our rooms have televisions, bathrooms and tasteful decorations.”
    Members of the Sleep Disorders Center staff meet with each patient before a sleep study is done to explain the process and answer questions.
    “People who are having trouble sleeping can make an appointment and come in to see myself or Mr. Montee in the Sleep Medicine Office,” added Weed. “We show the individual the Sleep Center, which takes away some of the concern about sleeping away from home. We schedule a night for the patient to come in to have a sleep study, and after the study, we follow up with the patient and discuss treatment options, if appropriate.”
    According to Weed, getting help for a sleep disorder can greatly improve a person’s quality of life.
    “According to the National Sleep Foundation, only nine percent of Americans feel well-rested when they wake up,” he said. “So we know that a lot of folks out there could benefit from an evaluation of their sleep.”
    The Sleep Disorders Center first became accredited in 2004. To become accredited, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional health care as designated by the AASM. The accreditation process involves detailed inspection of a center’s facility and staff, including an evaluation of testing procedures, patient contacts and physician training.
    Additionally, the facility’s goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves. Re-accreditation is awarded for five years.  
    For more information about the TAMC Sleep Disorders Center, call 768-4093.
    TAMC is a member of EMHS. EMHS stands behind its members as a tireless advocate so that both immediate and ongoing healthcare services will be available when and where they are needed.