Community News: New help for lung disease patients; SOLIHULL.

HEALTH chiefs in Solihull have put together a booklet aimed at improving the lives of people living with a debilitating lung disease.

Solihull Care Trust, in conjunction with Birmingham East and North Primary Care Trust, has produced the pamphlet and hand held diary for patients suffering with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which is usually suffered by smokers although non-smokers can also get it leading to breathing difficulties.

The booklet, for people with COPD and their carers, aims to help them understand the condition by giving more information on how to manage their condition on a long term and day to day basis and enabling them to know when to seek help from their healthcare team.

Included with the booklet is a personal diary for COPD patients which can be used to record the patient's personal information, self-management plan and goals. By using the diary it will ensure that all of the latest information about their condition is available at all times. Anybody who would like more information about the booklet should contact the Solihull Community Respiratory Team on 0121 329 0179.