Your Right to Challenge

Neil Churchill, Chief executive for Asthma UK, asks in his blog  "If you were unhappy with the quality of a local NHS service, would you want the right to challenge it?”

Apparently “One of the reforms the Government is considering is a Right to Challenge within the NHS. They envisage it could be used by patients to challenge poor quality. They also think it might be used by charities who think a service could be delivered more effectively.”

As a nation we used to have a reputation as a people who were slow to stand up for their rights. To encourage British shoppers to have confidence in getting a “better deal” the Office of Fair Trading launched a campaign way back in 2003 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/2682707.stm which according to the latest research seems to have done the trick and we are now more likely to complain than any of our European neighbours!

So just what can you do if you feel the NHS care or treatment you receive is not up to scratch?

We do already have an independent organisation whose purpose is to help you in many ways and they have representatives available in most hospitals as well as on line.

The Patient Advice and Liaison on Service.

http://www.pals.nhs.uk/default.aspx

They can help you, your family or your carer with health-related questions, help resolve concerns or problems when you’re using the NHS, and help you to get more involved in your own healthcare.

Asthma UK are aware from patient feedback and from NHS data that asthma care is quite variable. There is much good practice but also pockets where standards are poor and believe that a Right to Challenge could allow patients to demand improvements. They are asking if there was a Right to Challenge would you use it? Why not join the debate here
http://blog.asthma.org.uk/making_use_of_the_ri.html

Big Up Your Chest?

 Asthma UK has a Facebook page for young people with asthma, full of multimedia information about asthma.It allows young people to share their experiences with their peers.

Around one in 12 people in the UK has asthma a large number of students with asthma will be starting university in September and October, which traditionally sees an increase in preventable hospital admissions among 16-24 year olds.

This struck a chord with us on several levels.

On a personal level we too waved goodbye to our daughter, who is an asthma sufferer, as she started out on her new exciting University career trusting she would be supported.

On a business level, as over the summer we do receive many calls from concerned parents whose children are starting at College or University as well as parents whose children are embarking on adventure holidays or a gap year.

And right here on the blog as Wendy's story reflects everything the Asthma UK project is about. It was during her time at University that her Asthma really “kicked off’’ and how when she was only 23 years old it had consequences she couldn’t have even begun to imagine.

So if you are a worried parent or a young person you can find lots of useful information on their Facebook page  http://www.facebook.com/bigupyourchest

Thankfully our daughter has remained happy and healthy. She attends for regular asthma checks and has established local links where she can drop in if she needs to seek help or advice and of course she still has us.

Hopefully many other young people who are about to embark on adventures will, by following its simple but effective advice, enjoy a smooth, happy healthy start to their new lives.

Good luck to them all.

My nebuliser isn't working. Help.

What can you do if you think your nebuliser isn’t working?

The first obvious step is to try not to panic.

A nebuliser for home use is not really a complicated machine, but can at first be daunting if you are unfamiliar with it or short of breath. Ideally when you first purchased your nebuliser you would have spent a little time familiarising yourself with its operation and maintenance.

Begin by rereading your instruction manual and in particular run through the ‘trouble shooting guide.’ Some manufacturers are putting this information on line. 

Trouble shooting generally involves taking a systematic approach, checking each component from the mains plug through to the filter and accessories ensuring that each part is present, complete, and in clean working order. Things such as a dirty filter, residual medication in the chamber, a kink in the air tube or a missing component such as a vaporiser head or baffle can result in your medication not turning into a mist for you to breathe in. Problems such as these are easily solved and we recommend you always keep an adequate supply of replacement accessories.

Other questions to ask yourself are:

Am I using the correct accessories for my nebuliser?

Often when your ill and in and out of hospital it is easy to mix up which chamber, mask etc. matches which nebuliser as not all are compatible with all machines, and mismatched or worn out accessories can result in a poor output.

Is my nebuliser one which requires an annual service in order to maintain optimum output?

If your not sure you can call us or the manufacturer. There may be a service agent local to you.

Am I using the correct nebuliser and chamber for the medication I have been prescribed?

Therapy regimes change as research is constantly moving forward. If your medical practitioner prescribes a new medication you may find your old nebuliser is just not up to the job. There is lots of independent advice available and manufacturers are constantly updating their products to meet new requirements.

Are you thinking your nebuliser isn’t working properly when really you should be ringing your G.P.

Nebulisers can fail but as you are no doubt aware, anyone with a chest condition is vulnerable and your health can quickly deteriorate even after your nebuliser therapy

And finally if it is broken then think back, just how old is it? Is it still covered by its warranty? In which case speak to whoever you purchased it from or possibly the manufactures who may be happy to assist you directly. Many companies have excellent customer service departments and most nebulisers should have at least a 3 year warranty, but this can pass surprising quickly. Short term, many hospital authorities may have a unit you can loan but long term they are becoming and less available. You can contact your medical practitioner or seek independent advice as to just what the situation is where you are. If it is time to buy a new nebuliser then why not have a look round this blog as it provides lots of information to help guide you. Check out our website, send us an email, or simply give us a call on 01942 701210 as we are always happy to help.

NHS Nebuliser Providers

Many of you are fortunate in that you still have a mains only nebuliser provided by the NHS.

Recently though you have been telling us that with the current changes in the NHS you are struggling to keep up with the day to day details of just who is now responsible for the provision and maintenance of your unit. Where once it was your local Primary Care Trust it is now the Acute Hospital team and visa versa, and where access was local for servicing and replacement parts you now have to travel a greater distance, and in some cases during this period of transition no one is quite sure just who you can turn to.

As with everything new it is bound to take a while to settle down. On a local level why not try asking PALS, Patient Advice and Liaison Services, to help you wade through the minefield? They have many offices throughout the country as well as online support.

PALS on line

“The NHS employs over a million staff in thousands of locations. It is a large and complex organisation providing a broad range of services. It is not surprising that sometimes you or a loved one may feel bewildered or concerned when using the NHS. And this can be at times when you are feeling at your most vulnerable and anxious.

So, what should you do if you want on the spot help when using the health service? The NHS expects all members of staff to listen and respond to you to the best of their ability. But sometimes you may wish to talk to someone employed especially to help you. The Patient Advice and Liaison Service, known as PALS, has been introduced to ensure that the NHS listens to patients, their relatives, carers and friends, answers their questions and resolves their concerns as quickly as possible.”

Have you considered buying your own nebuliser?
You can view our extensive range by clicking HERE

There are many reasons why some of you prefer to buy your own and many questions for you to consider before you do. Your nurse or health professional may be able to guide you and there are lots of other independent voices just waiting to help. You could choose a nebuliser you are already familiar with or one which will enhance your lifestyle. Some units come complete with everything (apart from the medication) you may need for a whole year, where as others are perfect for those of you who only nebulise occasionally.

On the flip side we do speak to many NHS nebuliser providers and if it’s any consolation it’s as much a headache for them as for you. If you aren’t in a position where purchasing your own is an option, hang on in there, everyone is trying to resolve the issues as quickly as possible, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice, you can call us on 01942 701210 or email HERE.. 

Need a nebuliser for occasional use? The C801 is now the C803

By now we all know that with nebulisers one size doesn't necessarily suit all.. There are many different reasons why you may be short of breath and many treatment and therapy regimes prescribed. So what about those of you on who really only nebulise occasionally but still want to be active and continue your daily life as near normal as possible?

One solution has always been the Omron MicroAir, especially since Omron made big reductions to their initial launch price as the unit became more and more popular. 

Omron have updated the C801 to the C803. To take a look, click HERE

Their new C803 is economical and versatile. Weighing in at only 180 grams, when coupled with their VVT technology it is still capable of driving your medication down to your lower airways where its needed. It has a dual voltage capability.

Although we wouldn’t suggest this nebuliser for frequent, general, daily use, it provides the perfect answer for those of you who only need to nebulise every now and then. And because it is small enough to fit on your bedside table, it’s quieter operation would make it ideal for use during the early hours. The Omron C803 is competitively priced and therefore would also provide peace of mind as a secondary or emergency back up model.

For those of you with a complex therapeutic regime, sorry, but this isn’t for you but don’t be put off there are many other options available which you can see by clicking HERE

And as always if you wish to chat about this quirky new addition to the Omron range or need help finding a nebuliser to match your individual needs, please give us a call on 01942 701210 or email us here. We are always happy to help.

Portable nebulisers, why so fiddly?

We had a couple of computer technological hitches recently which served to remind us just how some of you feel when confronted by the small portable nebulisers.

All those elements we take for granted, mesh cap technology, lithium battery, dual voltage, not to mention all those leads, wires and tiny buttons. Words and practices that after a while have just become second nature for us just as checking your mirror or changing gear when you drive may be for you.

So if you are thinking of investing in a small portable travel nebuliser don’t be put off. Over the years we have had feedback from so many customers who, with advice on which nebuliser would be most suitable for their needs, a small amount of patient explanation regarding assembly and care and a little practice before setting out, have discovered a whole new lease of life or added an extra dimension to their day.

If you are thinking that small portable nebulisers are a little fiddly? Are they are worth investing the money and possibly the time needed to become familiar? I can assure you that for very many of our customers the overwhelming answer is YES and with a little patience operating a portable nebuliser can become as easy as operating your mains nebuliser. 

So why not begin today? Give us a call on 01942 701210 or email HERE. We are here to answer your questions whatever they may be and to provide you with as much support as needed to help you on your way. Or you can view our portable nebuliser range by clicking HERE

Good News Week

Despite the weather trying to dampen our spirits this has to be seen as good news and,

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate The British Lung Foundation and Asthma U.K., who have both this week been celebrating victory, with the welcomed  announcement of the Governments, National Outcomes Strategy to tackle Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma, which hopefully in the future has the potential to halve hospital admissions from these medical conditions.

They have both been campaigning for many years to get the COPD and Asthma Outcomes Strategy published.

Every seven minutes someone with asthma is admitted to hospital, and asthma costs the NHS more than £1billion per year and BLF research shows that there are 3.7 million people suffering with COPD which is the second highest reason for emergency hospital admission across the country. Eight million people across the UK. suffer with lung disease.

The National Outcomes Strategy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma in England recommends that patients should have a prompt and accurate diagnosis, standardised care across the country, shared decision-making regarding their treatment and the ongoing support to manage their condition themselves.

There is still a great deal to do to make sure that patients receive the improved outcomes set out in this strategy especially at a time of budget cuts but maybe the sun is starting to come out after all.

To read further about this announcement or to support the organisations campaigning on your behalf follow the links below:

Asthma U.K http://blog.asthma.org.uk/department_of_health.html

The British Lung Foundation http://www.lunguk.org/media-and-campaigning/media-centre/latestpressreleases/British-Lung-Foundation-victory.htm