A woman from Norton has described the impact an NHS community health team who visit her home have made – as the service calls out to others to leave their feedback about their experience.
Michele Redfern has been helped by her local hospital at home team for the respiratory issues she has had over the last few years.
The 75-year-old was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis – two long term lung conditions that make it difficult to breathe.
With the help of the North Tees and Hartlepool hospital at home respiratory team, she has had the hospital-level treatment she needs from her own living room.
The team of physiotherapists, nurses, advanced clinical practitioners and health care assistants are able to prescribe medications, provide respiratory support, monitoring and assessment of patients within their own home.
Self-management and empowerment is encouraged by the team, blood tests and investigations are requested in a timely manner and patients are signposted to appropriate supporting community services when the need arises including access to a respiratory consultant.
Michele, who lives with her husband Jack, said: “It’s so much more pleasant getting the treatment I need at home. You get to know the girls one-to-one instead of people rushing around in hospital.
“Before, I’d have to try and get an appointment with my doctor. This is so much easier because I have a number I can ring for the team whenever I need advice.
“I know somebody will come out to see me. They know exactly what’s going on with my condition. It’s reassuring to have regular support closer to home.”
“Previously, whenever I became unwell, I’d have to go to the doctors. Having care at home is so much more convenient.”
Michele first started to develop more serious breathing issues when in her mid-40s – something she thinks could be linked to respiratory issues from childhood.
She added: “I developed asthma in my mid to late 40s and it gradually got worse as I got older.
“Later, I was diagnosed with COPD as well. I also have bronchiectasis, which means I’m prone to chest infections.”
The hospital at home respiratory team first launched in Stockton and Hartlepool 10 years ago.
Lauren Butler, specialist respiratory nurse in the service, visited Michele in her home this week.
Speaking from the house following an assessment, Lauren said: “Michele is getting the specialist care she needs in the environment that is best for her – her own home”
“Through the treatment and advice we can provide, we are able to reduce the exacerbations and flare ups patients may have – giving that hospital level of care our patients need”
“For patients like Michele, her treatment has been very successful and we are now able to see her just once or twice a year to assess her, but if her condition changes or she needs any further advice or support, she can call us via the single point of access 7 days per week to get that support or to arrange a home visit.”
University Hospitals Tees runs hospital at home services in a range of specialist areas – including for respiratory, frailty and heart failure patients across its community in the Tees Valley and parts of County Durham and North Yorkshire.
Let us know about your experience
The hospital at home service is running a special survey to gather feedback from patients – past and present – and loved ones about their experience.
Complete the hospital at home survey