COPD Pathway project nominated for award

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is delighted to announce that their COPD Pathway project has been shortlisted for a Nursing Times award 2020.

The project is an integrated service approach with the Welsh Ambulance Service (WAST) and Emergency Departments to help reduce admissions and enhance patient care. Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) would be the pilot for an innovative WAST pathway, which would adapted nationally if successful.

The aim of the project is to provide care at home, reduce hospital admissions and prevent admission if clinically indicated. Primary and community services supported the pilot, in a unified approach across health, social care and emergency services.

This integrated project and pathways were launched in January 2020.

The pilot supported the COVID response as pathways devised supported the development of the All Wales National COVID Pathway, with the alignment of integrated teams with single point of access and the role out of a respiratory training programme. The respiratory nurse teams were fully integrated within CRT to offer advice, support, management including ordering oxygen if clinically indicated. A respiratory/Covid educational programme has been delivered to all health care professionals from across ABUHB to support new ways of working.

The WAST pathway has continued and is planned to be rolled out nationally, and the re-review of housebound COPD patients will continue pre winter.  The feedback from patients and staff for all pathways has been extremely positive and encouraging. 

A respiratory/Covid educational programme is currently being delivered to all health care professionals from across ABUHB to support new ways of working.  If you would like to attend a training session then please contact Sian Jones - Sian.Jones80@wales.nhs.uk or Karen Vennard  - Karen.Vennard2@wales.nhs.uk