TYC...transforming your life!

11 July 2013

Tele-monitoring: emphysema

Sixty-five year-old Rostrevor resident, John Hicks, who suffers from emphysema, has had telemonitoring installed in his home for the last two years.

‘Telemonitoring has really helped me understand a lot about my condition,’ John told NIHR. ‘I take my readings every day and I now know what my readings should or shouldn’t be. Having this service has given me the confidence to help me manage my condition. I also feel very reassured knowing my readings are monitored on a daily basis and my nurse is alerted to any issues.

‘I am delighted to say I haven’t had to go into hospital any time during the last eleven months and I am able to continue with my volunteering work as trainer with the Newry & Mourne Chest, Heart and Stroke Association. I would definitely recommend this service to anyone.’

Reducing hospital admissions and receiving care closer to home.

May Sewell from Portadown was recently referred to the Rapid Access Clinic at Lurgan Hospital by her GP with mobility and breathing issues. Normally she would have been admitted to hospital. These clinics are aimed at those over 65 years with conditions including mobility problems, chest infections and falls, with the aim of preventing hospital admissions. Following a GP referral, the person will be seen within one to three working days and, if necessary, can have investigations such as X-rays and blood tests with the results available on the same day. Following her visit and assessment, May received a blood transfusion as an outpatient at Lurgan Day Hospital and will now be attending physiotherapy to improve her mobility.

Blood transfusions

Theresa Kelly lives in Omagh and had to travel to Altnagelvin Hospital every four weeks to receive necessary blood transfusion. For her, this meant a three-hour trip to hospital, six-hour transfusion and then a three-hour trip home again.
The Rapid Response Nursing Team means the transfusion can now be done in Theresa’s own home. This is obviously a much less stressful situation as Theresa is treated in the comfort of her own home with her family present. There has been no hospital admission and no unnecessary journey for Theresa: a ‘win-win’ situation all round.

Paediatric care

Coming to hospital can be a stressful experience for children and quite disruptive for families, as parents normally want to stay overnight with their children. The new Ambulatory Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital will avoid these issues for many families by reducing length of stay and preventing overnight admissions for suitable patients. It also offers treatment to children for a wider range of conditions and prepares them for procedures in a more child-friendly environment.

Four-year-old Philippa Dunlop from Portadown received treatment in the new unit. Staffed by two Advanced Paediatric Nurse Practitioners, supported by the Medical Team, the unit takes referrals from the Emergency Department and GPs to treat children for a wide range of conditions including dehydration, respiratory conditions, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever. The team also offers health promotion support and advice to parents and uses their treatment room to prepare children for planned investigations. Philippa did not have to stay in hospital overnight due to the care and treatment she received at the new unit.