Respitory referrals

[teresa297]

Hi, could anyone tell me if I have to request a referral to see a respiratory consultant, I have not seen one so far, and I was diagnosed with COPD almost 10 years ago? I had a flare-up recently but did not know I was having one till I went to see my GP for something completely different and they told me I was having one.

I have now completed my course of Prednisolone and when speaking to the physiotherapist at pulmonary rehab she suggested asking to see a respiratory consultant. Why are we not automatically referred when diagnosed?

People recovering from COVID seem to get a lot more help with their conditions than people with COPD.

I just feel like I know just as much today as I did when first diagnosed 10 years ago which is pretty bad.

[garshe]

I have a Respiratory Team and lately a COPD team also. I can contact either daily and speak to them . They will come to my house if required. There are 5 in the Respiratory team all who work with my Consultant. One arranges fo my oxygen assessment at hospital every 4 months.

They are all specially trained for Respiratory problems and know more than my GP. Havent seen my GP for about 4yrs as prefer to consult with my teams.

They are in contact with my GP also and keep them updated on whatever medication I am prescribed etc. I was first referred to xx after I was hospitalized about 10yrs ago . Sheilaxx 👍⚘💕

[PaulineHM in reply to garshe]

Hi garshe,

That is an amazing service, so pleased for you.

Would you mind letting me know where that service is please ? If you don’t feel you can post it here, feel free to message me.

It would great to have that level of service everywhere across the country.

Wishing you well,

Pauline

[garshe in reply to PaulineHM]

It's in Neath Port Talbot, South Wales. West Glamorgan UK We also have an Acute Nursing team these are highly trained nurses who take care of you at home calling 3 times a day to save being hospitalised. They can do scans at home, take blood and get results within hours . Administer antibiotics or other medications intravenously.

I had them when I had Pneumonia. Absolutely outstanding. Even had a house visit from my Consultant.

My husband has also had them for a different problem

Can only be recommended by your GP or even 911 and out of hours doctor. Very specialised team.

I know them all pretty well so am able to contact them . I suppose living in a small Town maybe access better than cities.

Good luck. The Respiratory team are amazing. Speaking to them later today and COPD team phones me regularly just to check on me. They replaced my broken nebuliser which I only use occasionally and arranged the medication for it.

My GP is never available as always Locum so never contact them as they dont know me like my Respiratory nurses who have known me for over 10 yrs XxSheila 💕💕⚘

[PaulineHM in reply to garshe]

Thank you- great services there for you there. Here we have good services but they aren’t very joined up! We have GP’s obvs. Respiratory teams, Home oxygen service , I see them every 6-12 months. Rapid Response which is intensive support for those unwell at home, respiratory is included in that service. Virtual Wards are coming on stream soon as are Acute Respiratory Hubs, at least in the winter. Plus of course out patient and inpatient care.

Am asking for it to be all joined up soon and hope with the new Integrated Care Board coming into being things will improve.

Wishing you well.

Pauline

[PaulineHM]

After such a long time without seeing a consultant, then I think it is entirely appropriate for you to request a review of your condition.

I hadn’t seen one for six years and the year before last I requested a review by a consultant. It took eight months before an appointment came up and was worth seeing someone in outpatients because he offered me Roflumilast treatment which has really helped.

I was also offered a PIFU - patient initiated follow up where we can request an appointment ( without referral ) and haven’t need to use that.

Wishing you well.

Pauline

[Lillylilac]

Hi Teresa 297My husband has COPD and sees a respiratory nurse frequently at our GP. If you have been diagnosed then you should be able to opt into this service.

I have bronchiectasis and after being diagnosed by the consultant I was waved bye bye with no follow up. I feel uts getting worse so have requested an appointment with the respiratory nurse at our GP. I gave an appointment in two weeks.

Hopefully you can do the same. I don't think you will be able to get an appointment with a consultant but you could try. You would have to be referred.

Sorry I can't be any more help.

Take care

Lilly

[teresa297 in reply to Lillylilac]

Thanks, but we have nurses at our surgery but I wouldn't say they are specialists in respiratory conditions this is why I would like a referral it also seems to depend on where you live.

[R2B_John Moderator]

Needing a referral in orger to see a specialist can often depend on your insurance coverage.My personal opinion is that while some primary physicians may be able to treat routine effects of COPD, the primary would want the patient to also see a pulmonologist to at least have a baseline. This way, you have a specialist in your corner should something happen beyond the scope of your regular doctor.

We often need to be and are our own best advocates.

John

[PaulineHM in reply to R2B_John]

We are very fortunate here in the U.K. care is free at the point of delivery, it has been for almost 75 years and we are fighting to keep it that way!

[Gh05tHunt3r]

I have had asthma and COPD for about five years and have been invited to my first COPD review just today I was asked to make an appt. I would suggest contacting your GP and asking for a referral. You may have been due your review around the time of COVID-19 hitting the world and your appt got missed in the confusion.