Weathermen predict a brighter time ahead for lung conditions

Published on Friday 15 August 2008 10:33

SUFFERERS of lung conditions in the Lothians have received help for their condition from an unlikely source – weather forecasters.

The Met Office has provided a weather alert system for people with a range of lung conditions, which advises them on steps to take to avoid agitating their illness because of extreme weather.

Hospital admissions in the trial area have already dropped by more than a third as a result of the scheme, and it looks set to be rolled out across the whole region.

The project is aimed at those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – an umbrella description for a variety of long-term lung diseases like bronchitis and emphysema.

The alert system e-mails those who sign up to it with two pieces of crucial information – a warning of when bad weather is likely to impact upon their health, and what steps to take if they do have to go out.

When there is a particularly high risk of severe weather, patients can receive an automated telephone call.

East Lothian Community Health Partnership contacted patients in the area suffering from the condition and asked if they wanted to take part in the scheme, which costs around 12 per patient per year.

The project has been welcomed not only for the help it provides for COPD patients, but also for freeing up hospital places for other emergencies.

Long-term conditions leader at the partnership, Carol Lumsden, said: "The outdoor environment can greatly affect the health of people with COPD and this programme allows us to provide these patients with detailed information that will help them stay well.

"Initial patient feedback has proved very positive, highlighting an improved quality of life for many patients with COPD and a reduced risk of unplanned medical contact, such as emergency hospital admissions.

"We are delighted to be able to offer this programme as part of our anticipatory care service."

So far 750 patients in East Lothian have signed up to the pilot across 13 GP practices.

NHS Lothian figures suggest that between November and March this year – traditionally the window when COPD patients experience most difficulties – hospital admissions were down by 36 per cent on previous years, with 47 fewer people requiring treatment.

Garry Power, the general manager of the partnership, added: "I am pleased that we can offer this unique service to our patients. This pilot demonstrated yet another healthcare innovation being offered to patients in East Lothian."

Chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, Dame Helena Shovelton, described the scheme as a "great benefit" to patients.

She said: "Being aware of detrimental weather conditions enables people to plan ahead and avoid situations that could aggravate their condition."