Respiratory

Our experienced team specialises in supporting patients aged 18 and over with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). People will have input from respiratory nurse specialists, respiratory physiotherapists, and clinical support workers at home, in hospital, pulmonary rehabilitation and clinics (including oxygen). We also deliver education for other health care professionals.

The Community Respiratory team provides a specialist service targeting the management of COPD in the community. The aim of the service is to improve the quality of life of patients with COPD, enhancing self-management and providing patient choice.

What we offer

The strands of care we deliver:

• Early supported and facilitation discharge and prevention of hospital admissions
• Oxygen clinics: New assessment and follow up clinics for oxygen patients
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Chest physiotherapy for COPD and Bronchiectasis
• Nurse intervention
• Home visits and clinics

What to expect on a home visit or in clinic

The first time we see you we will carry out a full assessment of your lungs so we can get to know you and your symptoms better.
This helps us to tailor your care and make sure it’s right for you. This may include:

• inhaler advice
• nebuliser advice
• use of antibiotics and steroids
• chest auscultation (listening to your chest)
• oxygen levels
• self-management
• referral to pulmonary rehabilitation classes
• smoking cessation
• psychological assessment
• home exercise programme
• airway clearance help
• breathlessness management

Referrals

Referrals are made by your GP or other healthcare professional.

If you have previously been under the care of the Community Respiratory team, you can refer yourself by contacting us on:

• Phone: 0113 843 4200
• Email: lcht.longtermconditions@nhs.net

For referring GPs, please use the Leeds Health Pathway to access our referral form.