Patients in and around Frome who suffer from breathing difficulties are now being offered extra help by the Frome Area COPD Support Group.
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and is the medical description for a group of lung conditions that causes breathing difficulties, from chronic bronchitis to emphysema. Frome’s local COPD group is co-ordinated by Health Connections Mendip. Their service lead is Jenny Hartnoll.
“We already have a very active COPD group here in Frome,” explains Jenny. “However, from next month we are including as part of our monthly meetings a dedicated half hour education slot which will explain how patients can best manage the condition. For many of the group, I know that this could make a big difference to their lives.”
COPD is a common condition that mainly (but not exclusively) affects middle aged or older adults who smoke. Many do not realise that they have the condition.
For many patients, breathing problems start to get gradually worse over time and can limit their normal activities, although treatment can help keep the condition under control.
The next group meeting is at the Frome Medical Practice on Wednesday 5th April and runs from 10.30am to 12 noon.
Jenny added, “We would be delighted to see new faces at April’s meeting. It is a chance to make new friends and share experiences over a cup of tea and coffee. I am also confident that our new education slot will start to make a difference to the lives of the patients. There is no need to book, just turn up!”
The Frome Area COPD Support Group meets at the practice on the first Wednesday of each month. The event is free. For more details, contact Health Connections Mendip on 01373 468368 or email mendip.healthconnections@nhs.net.
