Community COPD Service

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name used to describe several types of lung disease including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.  Two of the main symptoms are coughing and being short of breath usually when exercising.  Smokers over the age of 35 are more at risk.

Community COPD Services is a multidisciplinary team who provide specialist care and support for people in Kirklees aged over 18 with COPD and their carers. We also provide comprehensive diagnostic support plus review and education on the management of COPD to general practices and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with COPD. Our clinics are based at Fartown Health Centre in South Kirklees and Dewsbury Health Centre in North Kirklees. We can also visit patients in their own home when required.

The team consists of two respiratory nurses, a healthcare assistant, administration support and 2 consultant physicians. We provide people with COPD with specialist support, advice and education appropriate to their disease severity and/or disability. This includes self-care and management plans for chest infections. We are very keen on helping and supporting people who still smoke and wish to consider stopping. The stop smoking service can provide free, confidential, practical help when YOU are ready to stop smoking.

We encourage our people to consider pulmonary rehabilitation, an eight week course which includes exercises and specialist education appropriate for people with COPD. This is hugely beneficial to provide you with that little extra get up and go feeling.

We have links with the palliative care team, who provide end of life care and support for people and their families whose disease is in the advanced stages.