The community respiratory team promote independent living and self management for people with a respiratory condition through specialist symptom and disease management, exacerbation avoidance and lifestyle support. The team assess, provide and monitor oxygen for those who need it and establish this therapy to enhance the quality of life for the user.
The multidisciplinary team consists of specialist nurses, doctors, therapists and physiologists who deliver services through community clinics, domiciliary visits and multidisciplinary team meetings. A major aspect of patient care is delivered in group sessions as pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a programme of education and exercise for patients with a chronic respiratory condition.
Rehabilitation courses increase exercise capacity, improve walking distance and teach people to cope with breathlessness, fatigue, depression and anxiety, and overall help to better manage periods of breathlessness more effectively.
The service also provides the patient with the skills and knowledge to best self-manage their condition to reduce unnecessary admissions to hospital.
The pulmonary rehabilitation course consists of a six to eight week group programme delivered in a friendly supportive atmosphere and includes;
- Advice on lung health and coping with breathlessness including practical application.
- An exercise programme, carefully tailored to each individual.
- An in-depth education programme.
The service also provides education for patients and healthcare professionals across Staffordshire.
The team currently accepts referrals from consultants, nurses, allied health professionals, GPs, practice nurses and community matrons.