FRIDAY, 25 NOVEMBER 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. PHOTO ATTACHED L-R COPD NURSE RUTH HOUSTON, JOHN CHALMERS, COPD NURSE MAUREEN FAGAN AND NEIL GODFREY.

Specialist nurses hold COPD event in Forfar company

Specialist respiratory nurses from Angus and representatives of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patient support groups attended Forfar company Don & Low on World COPD Day to raise awareness of COPD and offer screening for employees.

World COPD Day is an annual event to increase awareness and care of COPD around the world. COPD is an umbrella term for a number of progressive lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is the fifth biggest killer in the UK and the World Health Organisation lists it as the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. 

Maureen Fagan, Lead Respiratory Specialist Nurse said, “COPD is under-diagnosed as the early stages are often unrecognised. This is because the development of symptoms tends to be slow and people may be unaware of them and accept a chronic cough or mild breathlessness as a ‘normal’ part of getting older or an expected consequence of smoking.

“Millions of people across the UK are living with COPD and may be struggling with their symptoms and experiencing a lower quality of life. Their condition could also be progressing more quickly because they’re not receiving appropriate treatment. So today’s event is all about raising awareness of the symptoms of COPD and the treatments available.”

Over 30 employees from Don & Low took up the offer of screening. They were asked about their age, smoking habits and any respiratory symptoms and given lifestyle advice where appropriate.

Heather Duncan from Don & Low said, “Don & Low recognises the importance of such worthwhile health initiatives.  The information and advice offered by the COPD support group was very well received by our employees.”

Contact:

Gaynyr Dickson

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424716