COPD

Sister Tracy Fordham

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Respiratory Disease and is an increasingly common lung disease often caused by smoking and usually affecting people over the age of forty. The term includes the conditions chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

There is a weekly clinic to diagnose and manage the care of people with COPD, run by one of the nurses who hold asthma and COPD management diplomas. Patients already diagnosed are routinely invited for an annual check but can also self refer if they have queries about their treatment or feel they are deteriorating.

Patients who think they may be at risk of the disease or are experiencing a chronic cough or shortness of breath can ask for a breathing test called ‘spirometry’ which helps in diagnosis of the disease. If you would like a spirometry test, please leave your details at reception and you will be contacted.