We are busy putting together a full programme of Your Breathing Matters sessions for 2023, each with a different focus. The format will be slightly different this year, with sessions being held every month, each with just one main speaker. As before sessions will be hosted by Michelle Duffy, one of NHS Highland's specialist respiratory nurses. Look out for updates, as speakers are confirmed.
Date |
Topic |
Speakers - to be confirmed |
Thursday 23rd Feb 1-2pm |
Living with a chronic respiratory condition? What can Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland do for you?
|
Debbie Sutherland Community support services manager, North of Scotland, CHSS Sue Littlemore, CHSS Community respiratory nurse, NHS Highland |
Thursday 30th March 1-2pm |
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis- what is it and what resources are in Highland to help? |
Dr. Beth Sage, Respiratory consultant Alison Stewart, Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis |
Thursday 27th April 1-2pm |
What resources are in my area to help me to live well with my chronic respiratory condition? |
Lets Get on With It Together– Joanne McCoy, Manager, LGOWIT |
Thursday 25th May 1-2pm |
Inhalers and how to make sure you get the best from them |
Catriona Whelan, Respiratory pharmacist Elaine Finlayson, Advanced practice respiratory nurse |
Thursday 29th June 1-2pm |
Understanding chronic breathlessness and techniques that can help |
Michelle Duffy, Advanced practice respiratory nurse |
Thursday 27th July 1-2pm |
What is bronchiectasis and how can I manage it well? |
Dr. Anne- Marie Shanks, Respiratory consultant Mahri Swanson, Community respiratory nurse specialist Jude Colligan, Specialist respiratory physiotherapist |
Thursday 31st August 1-2pm |
How can technology help me with my respiratory condition? |
Technology Enabled Care team, NHS Highland Sue Littlemore, CHSS Community respiratory nurse |
Thursday 28th Sept 1-2pm |
Smoking – what difference does it make to lung health? |
Public Health team, NHS Highland |
Thursday 26th October 1-2pm |
Living with a chronic respiratory condition? Are you getting winter ready? |
Elaine Finlayson, Mahri Swanson, Carolyn MacLeod, Dr. Kirsty Griffiths |
Thursday 30th Nov 1-2pm |
To be confirmed |
|
December |
Break |
|
You are welcome to sign up for just one session, or all of them, depending on your needs and interests. If you would like to suggest other topics, please let us know at: nhsh.communityrespiratoryteam@nhs.scot
Sessions will be continuing beyond 2022, with topics likely to include:
- Support groups available in the Highlands and how they can help
- Identifying and managing anxiety and looking after your mental wellbeing
- Pulmonary rehab – what it is and why it is important
- Respiratory conditions – diagnosis, treatment, progression
- Advice about discussing what matters to me and advanced care planning
- What to do when you have a flare up – medication and other interventions
- What you should expect from your GP and practice nurse
- How the specialist respiratory nurses work & what they have to offer
- When to call an ambulance & how the paramedics decide what to do next
- How housing can impact on your respiratory health and what to do about it
- Introducing you to the Highland’s peer support groups
- Advice about healthy eating including food choices, frequency, portion size
- Coping with loss and bereavement
- Caring for somebody with a respiratory condition and taking care of yourself
Technology: The Your Breathing Matters sessions will use the Near Me group video conferencing technology – which is very simple to use. All you need is:
- PC, laptop, smartphone or tablet
- Reliable internet connection
- Chrome, Safari or Edge internet browser
For more information about using Near Me, please visit the national Near Me website, where you will find an FAQ and technical information. There is local Near Me information at: NHS Highland - Near Me and you can make a test call at: Near Me Test Call
Places: The Near Me system can now accommodate 60 participants, so encourage your friends and colleagues to register.