The BLF Nurse Programme was launched in February 2006 to provide specialist care for people with respiratory conditions. There are currently 34 BLF nurses (February 2008) with more posts in development.
Improving patient care
The BLF nurses play a key role improving the quality of care for patients by reducing unplanned hospital admissions, facilitating early discharge, nurse led clinics in the community and improving patient self-management skills.
To ensure patients receive the most appropriate care the BLF nurses are working closely with health professionals and social care across primary and secondary care sharing skills, knowledge and expertise.
We also have specialist nurses on our helpline who are able to provide advice to healthcare professionals and the public
Education
The BLF Nurses have a major role in:
- providing information to patients and carers about lung disease
- sharing expertise with health professionals through delivery of structured education programmes
Service models
The nurses are developing new ways of working to ensure respiratory patients receive the highest level of care in the community.
The service models they provide include:
- Nurse/GPs with Special Interest led Long Term Oxygen Therapy and optimization clinics
- Early Supported Discharge
- COPDSpecialist Community Matrons
- Peripatetic Community Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Where are they?
At present we have BLF Nurses in the following locations, but there are likely to be more in 2008:
∙Greater Glasgow HB ∙Oldham PCT ∙Bristol PCT ∙Sefton PCT (Liverpool) ∙Central Lancashire PCT (Preston & Chorley) ∙Calderdale PCT (Halifax) ∙North Yorkshire & York PCT (Harrogate) ∙Hartlepool PCT ∙Wandsworth PCT ∙Powys LHB
Evaluation of the BLF nurse programme
An independent evaluation of the BLF Nurse programme is ongoing with Kings College London.
Where do I find out more?
For information about BLF Nurses .
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