Lung Health Hub
Welcome to the lung health hub – a one-stop-shop for all things lungs and respiratory in Manchester.
This is a resource for anyone who wants to learn how to manage lung conditions in adults – for themselves, someone they care for and professionals.
Manchester Local Care Organisation, primary care and the hospital lung team are working together to identify people with undiagnosed lung health conditions in Manchester.
These checkups help us find people who may not know they have lung problems such as:
- Early lung disease
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Undiagnosed asthma.
Earlier diagnosis means we can support people to manage their lung condition better, before they become too unwell.
The breathing and lung check-ups are being piloted in three areas:
- North – Clayton, Beswick and Openshaw PCN
- Central – Ardwick and Longsight
- South – Wythenshawe
Tools to manage your lung condition
If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), you are entitled to specific care and support from your GP. Knowing what to ask for can help you stay well and avoid `unnecessary hospital visits.
Your GP Should Provide These Key Services
- Help to Stop Smoking
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- If you smoke, your GP should offer support and resources to help you quit. Stopping smoking is the most important step to slow COPD progression.
- Vaccinations
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- You should be offered a flu jab every year and a pneumococcal vaccine to protect against infections.
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Referral
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- If you feel breathless or struggle with daily activities, ask your GP about pulmonary rehab. It’s a free program that improves breathing, stamina, and quality of life.
- A Personal COPD Action Plan
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- Your GP should work with you to create a self-management plan. This includes what to do if your symptoms worsen, how to use inhalers correctly, and when to seek help.
- Annual COPD Review
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- You should have a yearly check-up to review your symptoms, inhaler technique, medications, and overall health.
- Rescue Medication Packs (if needed)
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- If you’ve had flare-ups or hospital visits, ask about a rescue pack (antibiotics and steroids) to keep at home for emergencies.
- Access to Specialist Support
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- If your symptoms suddenly worsen, your GP should ensure you get rapid access to community or hospital respiratory teams.
Why This Matters
These services help you:
- Stay independent and active
- Reduce flare-ups and hospital visits
- Feel more in control of your condition
Take Action
- Ask your GP: “Can we review my COPD care today?”
myCOPD is the most comprehensive, user-friendly and intuitive COPD app on any device. Designed and built by COPD experts, and externally peer-reviewed by leading NHS consultants, myCOPD puts patients and their clinical teams in control like never before.
- Pulmonary Rehab GM offers a six-week exercise and education programme consisting of two classes per week. It can reduce problems caused by breathlessness and improve fitness and energy levels. Find out more at www.pulmonaryrehabgm.co.uk or ask your GP for more information and referrals.
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation – Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT NHS) – an exercise and education programme designed for people with long-term lung disease who experience symptoms of breathlessness.
- Community Respiratory Team – Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT NHS) – a specialist Community Respiratory Team based at Wythenshawe Hospital, working across South Manchester to support people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other long-term lung conditions.
Breathe Better Together Group