Weather reports for lung patients

People in Norfolk with respiratory problems are to be sent reports on weather conditions which may affect their health.

The Healthy Outlook service telephones weather-related warnings to patients in Norwich with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

NHS Norfolk said the pilot is aimed at reducing hospital admissions.

COPD patients can find their condition affected by humidity, air pollution and changes in temperature.

The service works by making an automated telephone phone call to registered patients in advance of changing weather patterns, NHS Norfolk said.

'Success elsewhere'

It also alerts them to increases in viruses which cause coughs and colds and gives patients the opportunity to listen to further advice.

The six-month scheme has been commissioned by a group of 19 GP practices in Norwich, which will be alerted by Healthy Outlook to any missed calls or patients who may need additional support.

GP Dr Farrook Mondol said the scheme had seen "much success" in other parts of the country in helping COPD patients avoid health crises which lead to hospital admissions.

"When you set the cost of £21 per patient per year for this service in their home against the cost of more than £1,000 for an acute hospital admission, you can see why we wanted to run this pilot with our patients," he added.

NHS Norfolk is writing to 2,500 patients offering them the opportunity to take part.