We have pioneered a community based COPD service so we can reach as many people as possible who think they might have this condition. There are more treatment options available if the disease is picked up early.
A community clinic has been set up at the Park Health Centre, and each GP practice in the Consortium now has a specialist COPD nurse. We also provide staff training in every surgery so you can be sure you’ll get the same high level of care wherever you live.
Our practices can provide you with inhalers, medication, oxygen therapy and annual vaccinations to prevent flu and pneumonia. But most importantly – we can help you stop smoking. This one thing makes a huge difference to the progression of the disease and so to your quality of life.
Each surgery can also give you advice on a healthy diet and exercise – both very important in keeping people with COPD healthy for longer – and put you in touch with community projects designed to improve your breathing, general fitness and well-being.
Ask your GP about pulmonary rehabilitation. These programmes include gentle exercise, education about COPD, advice on nutrition and psychological support which have been shown to really help people with COPD. Click on the video below to see how pulmonary rehab could help you.