Former smoker praises "amazing" team for keeping him out of hospital

A former smoker who developed a chronic lung condition has praised the “amazing” support of a specialist team who are keeping him out of hospital.

Russell Jeremy, from Neath, was rushed in six years ago because he couldn’t breathe. Fortunately, he has not had to be admitted to hospital since.

The 71-year-old is one of the many people to benefit from Swansea Bay’s chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) team.

Pictured: Russell Jeremy with clinical nurse specialist Louise Jenkins.

The team supports patients to live well with the condition and manage any flare-ups, with an overall aim of avoiding hospital admissions.

COPD is a lung condition caused by damage to the airways or other parts of the lungs, resulting in breathing difficulties.

Common symptoms include shortness of breath, a persistent chesty cough with phlegm, frequent chest infections and persistent wheezing.

During November, COPD Awareness Month, we’ll highlight the services, self-management guidance and support available to Swansea Bay patients.

Members of the COPD team are based both in hospital and the community, with staff providing self-management advice, symptom management and education for patients and their families, among other support.

Patients can be educated about various self-management techniques to be able to better manage their condition at home, preventing the need for them to go into hospital.

Alison Lewis, the health board’s respiratory clinical lead, said: “The majority of patients are seen at home so we can see them in their own environment and understand how their lives work.

“We educate them about the condition so they can have a better understanding of it, and we help to manage their expectations.

“COPD is a chronic disease so we cannot fix it. However, what is effective for patients is smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation, and we discuss referrals to these services with patients.

“We teach patients about managing their pacing, teaching them breathing techniques, how to manage breathlessness and to be less fearful of it, and much more.

“It’s about giving them the confidence to manage their condition.”

Russell said he was warned by his doctor while in his early 50s to give up smoking because he was struggling with his chest.

“I ignored it and my chest continued to get worse and worse, and then I stopped smoking at 59 and switched to a vape instead,” the 71-year-old said.

“Around six years ago, I was rushed into hospital because I couldn’t breathe, and I was put on a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine for two days as a result.

“I was referred to Neath Port Talbot Hospital so a consultant could test my breathing. I was told my lung capacity was at 16 per cent.

“I was frightened to go back into hospital.”

Russell was placed under the care of the COPD team, with staff visiting him at his home whenever he feels he needs support.

Since he has been cared for by the team, Russell has not needed to be admitted to hospital.

“I can call them directly whenever I need them or have any problems,” he said.

“Louise Jenkins, the clinical nurse specialist, helps me with everything I need, so it takes away the need for me to go to my GP. She has helped to change my inhalers, taught me breathing exercises and started me on a nebulizer to help take my medication.

“Sometimes I could go a few months without needing the team and other times, during the summer or if it’s cold it could be every couple of weeks.

“They are excellent and come to the house whenever I need help, or we can chat and get advice from them over the phone.

“The number of steroids and antibiotics I take has really reduced and I’ve been educated about the condition and more able to manage it.

“I don’t drive much anymore so it’s a struggle to get to the hospital and have to wait around, so it’s great that they are able to come to me.

“I haven’t been into hospital since I’ve had the COPD team coming to the house. It’s amazing, the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Louise Jenkins, clinical nurse specialist within the COPD team, said: “When we visit patients, we also look at other aspects such as nutrition, their lifestyle and social situation.

“We can look at referring them to any other agencies who may be able to support them, with things such as equipment.

“We strive to do whatever each individual patient needs.

“As well as educating the patient, we also try to educate their families too and encourage them to help their loved one be more independent.

“We also try help to teach them to recognise the early signs of a flare-up and what to do, so they don’t wait until things become worse being acting.

“We give patients the skills and education to manage their condition long-term.”