The Respiratory Nurse Specialist service has grown and developed greatly since its inception in 1992, initially set up by a single Specialist Nurse to support patients with a diagnosis of asthma.
Today the team consists of both Nurse Specialists and a Specialist Physiotherapist. The team provides assessment, medicines optimisation, education and self-management support for patients with asthma COPD, whilst developing in other disease areas such as bronchiectasis and interstitial lung disease. Our inpatient services are currently provided for those who are admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital with their respiratory condition, and include a COPD Hospital @ Home service, provided in collaboration with the Rapid Response team in community.
Specialist Nurse-led clinics are undertaken at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, designed to provide ongoing support and specialist assessment of respiratory patients. Referrals are currently accepted from our Respiratory Physician colleagues and follow up of patient reviewed by the Specialist Nurse team during an inpatient stay.
COPD Hospital @ Home is designed for COPD patients experiencing an exacerbation that initially required hospital level treatment but can be discharged home to continue treatment in their own home under the care and supervision of the Rapid Response team, with support and follow up from nursing and medical specialists here at Blackpool Victoria hospital.
An integral component of the service is responsible for assessment and management of patients across the Fylde coast who require home oxygen therapy. This incorporates inpatient and outpatient assessment at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, alongside our satellite outpatient clinics at Fleetwood Hospital, Lytham Primary Care Centre and Whitegate Drive Health Centre. The team also facilitates home visits for home oxygen where appropriate or recommended.
The Respiratory Nurse Specialist and Home Oxygen Assessment Service have excellent links with various tertiary care teams at Preston, Wythenshawe, Aintree and other tertiary centres of excellence, with regard to severe asthma, complex breathlessness, COPD, interstitial lung disease, home oxygen and home ventilation.
