COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is an umbrella term for a collection of chronic diseases which affect the small airways of the lung, where airflow is obstructed and not fully reversible. These conditions include chronic asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

The respiratory nurse and your GP provide a service for diagnosing COPD which includes spirometry testing, they provide support and advice on reducing risk factors such as smoking and managing the condition with medication, breathing techniques, exercise, diet, treating infections and sputum clearance.

Many patients with COPD are given long term oxygen therapy at home. These patients are usually managed by the hospital respiratory consultants and specialist nurses. However the clinic nurses here will still be available to support these patients. They can provide information on what to expect at a hospital visit, telephone support and advice to benefits which may be available.

Influenza and Pneumococcal vaccinations are recommended to patients with COPD.

Medication is tailored to meet the needs of the individual patient and may include inhalers, oral medication, nebulisers or oxygen therapy. Treatment follows the British Thoracic Society Guidelines.

Information can be provided about benefits which may be available for some patients with COPD.

In addition to these clinic times a respiratory nurse is available everyday (except during annual leave) for telephone advice.