Respiratory Medicine
Ambulatory Care Services
Better Care for Patients with Chronic Lung Disease
The Priority Health Care Program for Respiratory Disease (PHCP-R) for the Sydney West Area Health Service started in 2001. This program aims to improve the care of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the area, both as inpatients and outpatients. Specifically, the program aims to prevent crisis situations and reduce urgent Emergency Department presentations for patients with COPD; to improve the quality of life for patients with COPD; and to promote greater coordination and continuity of care between hospitals, general practice and community health personnel involved in the care of patients with COPD.
The program is administered through the Respiratory Ambulatory Care Service (RACS), which is based at Blacktown, Westmead and Mt Druitt hospitals. Patients with COPD are referred after hospital admission or from the community for assessment and enrolment in a comprehensive Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program includes:
- exercise training and chest physiotherapy
- smoking cessation counselling
- psychological counselling for management of anxiety and depression
- nutritional assessment and intervention
- education on chronic lung disease, symptom control and medication use for patients and their carers
- occupational therapy intervention
The RACS also provides access to the following services for selected patients:
- regular review in the home by community nurses
- as needed review in the home by community nurses
- access to a telephone hotline
RACS Senior Staff:
Ms Mary Roberts, Program Coordinator Tel: 9881 7480, mobile: 0408 490 331, or page 08957
Dr Tracey Robinson, Program Medical Director Tel: 9845 6797, or page 08955
