Respiratory Support Service (RSS)

Who are we?

Mrs Sonni Andrew (Senior Respiratory Support Nurse)

Mrs Erleen Cornfield (Senior Charge Nurse)

Ms Linda Findlater (Administrative Assistant for RSS)

Ms Susan Mauchline (Senior Respiratory Support Nurse)

Ms Jocelyn Roden (Respiratory Support Nurse)

When did the Respiratory Support Service start?

  • This is a new service, launched on 4th December 2017.

  • It replace the Early Supported Discharge Service (ESD).

What do we do?

  • Patient admitted to ARI with an exacerbation of COPD.

  • We identify patients admitted to the Division of Medicine with an exacerbation of COPD.

  • Bespoke COPD Bundle implemented by specialist support staff

  • This includes:

  • Patient discharged.

  • Patient will receive a telephone call in 48-72 hour from Respiratory Nurse.

  • Electronic communication to primary care, outlining any ongoing management recommendations.

Why did we redesign the Early Supported Discharge service?

  • Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are one of the most common reasons for admission to hospital both locally and across the UK; last year there were over 1200 unscheduled admissions across NHS Grampian.

  • The primary purpose of a COPD discharge bundle is to look beyond the treatment of an acute exacerbation in hospital.

  • This intervention is to encourage self management of this long term condition and to improve patient’s quality of life.

  • A recent pilot commissioned by the Respiratory Managed Clinical Network (MCN) and supported by the Early Supported Discharge (ESD) service, has had very positive initial outcomes and feedback.

  • We now plan to expand upon the pilot, and deliver a COPD bundle to the vast majority of patients admitted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with an acute exacerbation of COPD.

  • To facilitate this change, the existing Early Supported Discharge (ESD) service will be rebranded to Respiratory Support Services (RSS) and change its focus to primarily deliver COPD discharge bundles across Aberdeen Royal Infirmary to most patients admitted with an acute exacerbation.

  • An outline of this exciting initiative has been supported by both, the Respiratory MCN and the local GP sub-committee.

  • Following delivery of the COPD bundle primary care practices will receive a patient summery and any management plan, which we hope will assist ongoing Primary Care Management.