GLASGOW lung disease patients are to benefit from a nationwide £300,000 funding boost as respiratory services continue to operate “under extreme pressure” because of the pandemic.

Charity Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, which is based in the city, says the investment will support projects in four health boards.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will receive £50,000 to create a new role in respiratory services, supporting people with chronic lung conditions and giving them a “seamless, safe and holistic service”, limiting their time in hospital.

The Respiratory Pathway Development Lead will advocate for respiratory services and ensure smooth coordination between NHS and other partner services including CHSS.

Jane-Claire Judson, chief executive at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: “Respiratory services have been seriously impacted by the pandemic and are under extreme pressure.

“By investing in improving links to community care and further integrating our Hospital to Home service into these respiratory departments, we can provide the care and support that people need at home and in their communities.

“We can make sure people living with chronic chest conditions have the tools and support to manage their condition and live well at home. In turn this will help to prevent people returning to hospital and alleviate some of the pressures that our respiratory departments are facing.”

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Health secretary Humza Yousaf added: “I commend and thank Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland for the vital work they are doing across Scotland to support people living with lung disease and respiratory conditions.”

The charity’s investment will also include £150,000 towards the development of a Community Respiratory Team in NHS Grampian; £53,000 to fund a Specialist Community Respiratory Nurse in NHS Highland; and £50,000 to fund a Respiratory Clinical Fellow in NHS Lothian.

Dr David Anderson, consultant respiratory physician at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “We want to develop services which provide safe support for patients who experience flare-ups of their conditions in their homes.

“Ultimately, we hope that acute exacerbations of chronic lung conditions are offered a seamless, safe and holistic service, limiting hospital stay and maximising rehabilitation and recovery.”