COPD flare-ups are frightening — and winter after winter, they end in A&E. Our five-day plan treats the flare at home: a doctor's assessment on day one, a nurse every day with nebuliser support and oxygen checks, and — just as important — the education and rescue plan that helps you catch the next flare before it takes hold.
Is this right for me?
Your COPD has flared and you'd rather be treated at home
You've had repeated hospital assessments for flare-ups
You want early treatment to catch a flare-up before it worsens
A relative with COPD is becoming more breathless
Important — this is not an emergency service
COPD flare-ups can worsen quickly. If breathing becomes severely difficult, lips or face turn blue, or the person becomes drowsy or confused, call 999. Our aim is to support appropriate patients safely at home and identify deterioration early.
What can we help with?
COPD flare-ups (exacerbations)
Increased breathlessness, cough or sputum
Nebuliser treatment where indicated
Observations and bloods as clinically needed
Early identification of deterioration
This package is for appropriate patients assessed as suitable for home treatment. If breathing is severely difficult, call 999.
What happens during your visit?
Day 1 — GP assessment
A GP assesses the flare-up and starts an appropriate treatment plan.
Days 1–5 — nurse monitoring
Daily nurse visits with observations, nebulisers and bloods as clinically indicated.
Throughout — doctor review
The GP reviews progress and adjusts treatment across the five days.
End — recovery plan
You finish with a recovery and self-management plan to reduce the risk of the next flare-up.
What's included
Day-one GP home assessment and treatment plan
A nurse visit every day: observations, nebulisers, inhaler technique
Blood tests and oxygen assessment at home
Doctor reviews throughout the five days
A written self-management and rescue-pack plan at the end
The option of ongoing monthly support to stay well
Who delivers your care
Who
What they do for you
GP
Assesses on day one and oversees the episode daily
Registered Nurse
Daily treatment and monitoring visits
Care Coordinator
Coordinates the five-day plan
After your visit
You end the five days with a clear recovery and self-management plan. If you deteriorate during the package, we escalate promptly. With consent, your NHS GP is updated.
We provide this service across Lurgan, Craigavon and surrounding areas. Some surrounding locations may be available depending on the service, travel requirements and clinician availability.
Not sure if we cover your area? Call 028 9621 1981 with your postcode and our team will check — or see Areas we cover.
Booking for someone else?
Yes — a family member, carer or authorised representative can contact us to arrange this for a patient, provided the patient consents. Many of our bookings are made by a son or daughter for a parent.
Frequently asked questions
What happens over the five days?
Day 1: GP assessment and treatment plan. Days 1–5: daily nurse monitoring with nebulisers, observations and bloods as needed. Throughout: doctor review. At the end: a recovery and self-management plan.
Is this instead of hospital?
It's for appropriate patients assessed as suitable for home treatment. COPD flare-ups can lead to hospital assessment — our aim is to support you safely at home and spot deterioration early. If breathing becomes severe, call 999.
Who assesses whether it's suitable?
A GP assesses on day one and reviews throughout; the package only continues while home care remains safe.
Can family be involved?
Yes — we keep family informed and, with consent, update your NHS GP.
