PATIENTS with severe breathing problems are getting the best care possible in south east Essex it has been revealed.

The package of care offered to people with chronic obstructive airways disease by Southend Hospital, NHS South East Essex, GPs, local charity Breathe Easy and the University of Essex has been hailed as an example of excellence by the country’s top professionals.

Collectively known as the South East Essex Model for Integrated COPD Care, the organisations have been given a special commendation award by a top professional body, Improving and Integrating Respiratory Services. The award will be presented at a ceremony at London’s QEII Centre next month by the Government’s chief scientific officer Professor Sue Hill.

The various organisations have worked together to ensure that patients diagnosed with COPD, an incurable disease where a narrowing of the airways causes difficulty in breathing, avoid the need to go into hospital.

This has been achieved by starting community clinics which allow people to be seen nearer their homes, Staff are also being offered the opportunity of attending a university course covering the causes and effects of the disease.

Andrew Pike, Chief Executive of NHS South East Essex said: “The award exemplifies how local partner organisations are working together to deliver exceptional healthcare services for residents of south east Essex. The ‘South East Essex Model for Integrated COPD Care’ is just one example of how healthcare services are becoming more convenient and effective in helping people to manage long term conditions.”