Respiratory
NHS Lanarkshire’s Respiratory Managed Clinical Network (MCN) was launched in March 2007. The aim of the Respiratory MCN is to ensure that clinical care is delivered to patients with Respiratory disease in a smooth and supportive manner by bringing together different health professionals and organisations and helping them to work in a more co-ordinated manner.
Although it has been a relatively short time since it’s inception, the Respiratory MCN has recently achieved significant funding to launch a whole system service for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) across Lanarkshire. This will include: community based spirometry testing, self-management and the redesign of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Hospital at Home initiative including Early Supported Discharge, an extended oxygen therapy service, palliative care and Telecare supported self-care.
Recent health figures have shown that Lanarkshire has the second highest rate of hospital admissions for COPD patients in the UK and the Respiratory MCN aims to ensure that the introduction of the above services will reduce this level of incidence by ensuring that Respiratory patients have access to the most suitable treatment at the most appropriate time, whilst ensuring that the high standards of service are developed and maintained.