We are part of the Leeds Community Respiratory team based at Chapeltown Health Centre.

We are a team led by respiratory specialists including clinical support workers offering nursing, physio advice and support for COPD patients in the community.

The aim of the service is to promote and support safe discharge for medically fit patients with COPD who wish to return home rather than remain in hospital and admission avoidance, preventing unnecessary admission to hospital from primary and secondary care. This helps release hospital beds for the use of patients with acute healthcare needs.

We will provide a timely assessment and intensive support of up to two weeks to patients experiencing an acute exacerbation of COPD by co-ordinating a range of services to prevent admission to hospital and help keep patients in their own home.

What we offer

We offer:

• admission avoidance
• support on discharge from hospital
• provision of specialist nursing physio and clinical support worker visits to support and maintain patients with COPD at home
• referral into the integrated COPD service, pulmonary rehabilitation, HOSAR and chronic disease management.

What to expect on a home visit

The first time we see you at home we will carry out a full assessment so we can get to know you and your symptoms better.

This may include:

• Inhaler advice
• Nebuliser advice (short term loan)
• Chest auscultation
  (listening to your chest)
• Oxygen levels saturations
• Blood taking, sputum specimen and relevant tests
• COPD self-management plan
• Smoking cessation advice
• Psychological assessment
• Referral to the Community Respiratory team for ongoing support
• MyCOPD app pulmonary rehabilitation
• Virtual ward round twice a week.