Respiratory Service

Service description

The team see housebound patients in their homes, provide respiratory clinics in our community hospitals and work alongside GPs and practice nurses to promote best practice in the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). People affected by COPD are often breathless, have a cough and phlegm and may get lots of chest infections. It is usually caused by smoking. The aim of the service is to improve the care delivered to patients, reduce avoidable admissions to hospital, minimise length of stay, support self management and offer support and clinical advise to healthcare professionals. The service works closely with the Community Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service.

Referral criteria

Patients referred to the service must have a diagnosis of COPD confirmed by spirometry, a recent acute COPD exacerbation requiring hospital admission, a history of frequent COPD exacerbation or because of their COPD or would benefit from a specialist review.