Fans help breathless patients

Patients with chronic respiratory disease are benefiting thanks to a simple handheld fan which is helping to reduce the perception of breathlessness.

The Health Tree Foundation (HTF), the official charity for Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, has provided 100 fans at a cost of £600 for the respiratory ward at Scunthorpe hospital.

They were provided through HTF’s ‘Circle of Wishes’ – which is the charity’s unique way of matching the charitable intent of the community with the wishes of the hospitals’ patients.

Patients suffering with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been encouraged to use the handheld fans when discharged from the hospital.

The fans are designed to blast cool fresh air onto a patient’s face to aid with breathing and catching their breath. They are small enough to fit in a handbag or a pocket, and helps keep a patient calm.

Pamela Webster was diagnosed with COPD 14 years ago, aged just 47 years old. She has been in and out of hospital recently with breathing difficulties.

On one of her visits, respiratory clinical nurse specialist Andrea Gough handed her one of her fans to help her to breathe easily.

Pamela told us: “When I’m out and about I feel more at ease now knowing I have my fan with me. It’s like a security blanket that makes me feel safe. Even getting up from a chair can be a challenge; the fan helps me in these situations to calm my nerves.”

Andrea said: “The fans are a great resource to give out to patients with breathing difficulties. Thank you to the Health Tree Foundation for providing them.”

If you would like to find out more about the Health Tree Foundation, drop us an email at hello@heathtreefoundation.org.uk