Acapella on the NHS?

[Pennylap]

I’m new here and know that my question was answered 7 years ago...just wondered if anything has changed? I have Bronchiectasis and my Respiratory Nurse at my local hospital has written to my GP about obtaining an Acapella Choice . I’m fairly new to the area and was wondering if the NHS provide this item or whether I have to pay? Does anyone have any experience? Any help appreciated as some pharmacists don’t seem to be able to get them?

[RoadRunner44]

Hello, I live in Wales and was diagnosed with bronchiectasis about 8 years ago. My consultant at the hospital sent me to the specialist physiotherapist who gave me an acapella and instructed me in its use. There are various kinds of these gadgets and each hospital prefers one or another. Last year I was given a more up to date version called an Aerobika. I like both of them and they certainly help to expel the mucous.I dont know how things work where you live but I believe the NHS usually provide one if its thought necessary.

Wishing you luck.

RR

[crashdoll in reply to RoadRunner44]

Yes, I was going to say similar. I was recently given an Aerobika by respiratory physio who showed me how to use it.

[RoadRunner44 in reply to crashdoll]

Do you find it helps?

[Pennylap]

Thank you! It’s good to know that the NHS do provide them, I did see the Respiratory Nurse and explained that I had dreadfully thick mucus and just the breathing technique alone wasn’t working, plus the only way I get rid of my mucus is by being sick...I don’t force it, it just happens. She has recommended the Acapella but says my GP has to get it for me, she says I also need a nubuliser, this is my stumbling block ...my GPS nurse hasn’t really had much experience in bronchiectasis and because she can’t get it from a local pharmacist wants me to pay for it ...unfortunately I haven’t been able to take my pension for a year so it would be helpful if I could get it from my GP.

[Maggie_Mae]

Hmmmm.. I would put my foot down regards paying. Enquire with your nurse if there is a particular problem sourcing this particular item? Or is it funding from practice?

If so, explain you do not have funds available to purchase, & what is the practice protocol for next steps?

If you do decide to purchase your own enquire about grant or part funding from other sources

[Pennylap in reply to Maggie_Mae]

Thank you Maggie, I know funding can be difficult in some boroughs but surely if I get something to help me with my illness this is likely to then mean I don’t have to have as much contact with the GP (not that I bother them anyway unless absolutely necessary) Really appreciate your advice

[B0xermad]

Hi pennylap,I get mine from the physio nurses who post me a new one twice a year on the NHS but if I ask the gp he says not available for his budget.

[MoyB]

Regarding a nebuliser, my consultant did not recommend one for me as he said they can often lead to further infections and there had been research backing this up relating to home use.I know that lots of people here use nebulisers with great success so I don't know where the 'research' came from.

Just thought I would mention so you can be prepared with a counter argument if you should be told the same thing.

Xx Moy

[Alberta56]

I was prescribed an AeroBika on the NHS after the respiratory nurse team contacted my surgery. I found it absolutely brilliant. The first time I used it loads of phlegm came up (ugh! hooray!) I think you are entitled to one one the NHS and as you say it saves the NHS money in the long run. These devices cost something like £20-£30, so they are hardly going to break the surgery's bank. Please persist. Health professionals don't always know as much as they should about bronchiectasis. They need educating. People here know much more. xxx

[Pennylap in reply to Alberta56]

Can’t thank you enough for your advice, I really think that not enough is known about this condition, I went for years suffering with persistent chest infections. Then when diagnosed not to be told I had bronchiectasis didn’t help either but having moved to a different area I have found a lovely Respiratory Nurse who is trying to help me get a better quality of life . Thank you!

[Joy123]

Yes, definitely should be free. It’s only a small device and I didn’t find it to be of any help. All these items don’t suit everybody Good luck Joy x

[Pennylap]

Thanks everyone for your excellent help and advice...I live in a rural area. Having spoken to the GP practice again and explaining my situation they have agreed with a pharmacist in another village to get me one...I’m hoping it will help me as I get so fed up being sick instead of bringing up my mucus. THANK YOU

[corriena]

I got my acapela device on prescription from the dr if you get free meds you dont have to pay

[Response]

Yes, if you have a condition that needs one then the NHS should (in my area anyway for my mum) prescribe one. It was actually sent through the physio (who was actually employed by a private company but done through the NHS )

[TwoDrifters]

My wife has bronchiectasis and we obtained an acapella, which helped a bit. But Acapella is a type of singing, without musical accompaniment, and usually all taught by ear, as you were at school as a 6 year old. Singing like this, in harmony, with a group has wonderful therapeutic effects, mentally and physically. It certainly helps breathing, and it is more useful to my wife than any of the other breathing techniques and devices.