A new initiative aims to reduce the number of people with a lung condition admitted to hospital in an emergency.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is caused by a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. It includes emphysema, which is damage to the air sacs in the lungs, and chronic bronchitis, which is a long-term inflammation of the airways.

COPD is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke. Many people do not realise they have it.

The breathing problems tend to get gradually worse over time and can limit normal activities, although treatment can help keep the condition under control. If a patient’s COPD is not kept under control, they may need to be admitted to a hospital as an emergency.

COPD like many respiratory conditions is made worse by winter weather. This winter, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) is proactively contacting COPD patients to provide information and advice to keep them well at home.

Ali Shaw (pictured) heads LPT’s 14 strong team of specialist respiratory nurses, physiotherapists and healthcare assistants. She said: “We are reaching out to patients who might be more at risk of being admitted to hospital over the winter and trying to see if we can offer self-management, make sure their medicines are optimised and seeking to prevent those hospital admissions. We don’t want them going to A and E due to an exacerbation of their COPD if there is something we can help them with.”

Initially the team will work with up to 140 patients in North West Leicestershire who have been identified by their GPs as:

  • having COPD
  • having scored poorly on a previous breathing function test; and
  • having had three or more courses of steroids over the previous 12 months.

Most of these people had never been in contact with the respiratory team previously. It is hoped the team will eventually work with similar patients across the whole of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Ali Shaw said patients would be invited to a one-hour initial assessment. This would take place either in a surgery, a clinic, or at home for housebound patients.

“We will offer a holistic assessment and education on managing their COPD, preparing them for the winter when they are at higher risk of chest infections, checking their inhaler technique, and ensure they are on the optimal medicines and doses for their condition.”

Where necessary, patients will be referred on to other specialists, such as dieticians, or enrolled in specialist exercise classes for those with lung conditions.

Patients will be able to refer themselves back to the team, or contact them for further advice, at any time.

Ali Shaw said that COPD patients who were offered an annual review with their GP or other health professional should take it up. Patients who are struggling to manage their COPD can also ask for a GP referral to LPT’s respiratory team if they need that specialist input and once they have been under the care of the team, can refer themselves back into the service by contacting the team through LPT’s Single Point of Access by phoning 0300 300 7777.

  • COPD is largely a preventable condition. You can significantly reduce your chances of developing it if you avoid smoking. If you already smoke, stopping can help prevent further damage to your lungs before it starts to cause troublesome symptoms.