The Service is available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays.
The service is provided by Respiratory Nurse Specialists in partnership with hospital staff, community nursing teams, GPs and social services.
The service is provided to patients who have a confirmed diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease experiencing an acute exacerbation (flare up) where patients have sustained worsening of their symptoms, including breathlessness, cough, increased sputum production and change in sputum colour. This service helps to support patients and their carers in their own home and can help prevent an admission to hospital.
The Countywide Community Respiratory Team provide a full initial respiratory assessment service at home for patients undertaking full physical and social assessment and provide follow-up to patients. Patients are offered a full education package, short term interim care such as short term loan of nebulisers or temporary short burst oxygen if needed. Medication adjustments can be made, as required, and referral to appropriate integrated team on discharge from the service.
All patients are seen within 24 hours of referral, unless received after 3pm on Friday when patients will be seen on the next working day.
Details of Breathe Easy local support groups are available from your clinician.