A NEW survey has been released that gives the public the opportunity to shape the way respiratory care is handled across the borough.

The respiratory services in Barnsley are run by Barnsley Hospital and are known locally as the BREATHE service.

The current BREATHE service is for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as people who need oxygen at home and patients are generally seen by the team at the hospital.

The plan for the new BREATHE service, which has been proposed by Barnsley CCG, would to enable the team to visit homes, or to run appointments at a clinic in local communities.

The new service would be called 'BREATHE in the Community' and will be available for:

  • People with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

  • People who need oxygen at home, nebuliser assessment and early supported discharge from hospital.

  • People who experience breathlessness due to pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, Lower Respiratory Tract Infection, long term chronic respiratory illness, or cancer where end of life care is needed.

  • People who are receiving respiratory rehabilitation.

The CCG is looking to expand the service for people in the community so that more people can benefit from specialist care in their own home or local to where they live.

The proposals for the new service could mean that fewer people need to travel to, or stay in hospital.

A survey has been released which allows the public to have their say on their thoughts about the plans.

Barnsley CCG are also keen to hear from people who have used the respiratory services in Barnsley in the past three years.

The closing date for feedback is September 13, to complete the survey click here.