Summary
Breathlessness Psychology works alongside the respiratory and cardiology teams to provide support to help people manage their breathlessness and overall wellbeing.
Contact details
- Phone:
- 01268 407804
- Address:
Southend University Hospital
Prittlewell Chase
Westcliff-on-Sea
SS0 0RY- Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 17:00 pm
Service information
Breathlessness can impact on everyday life and many people find it difficult to manage. In fact the natural response to breathlessness is to panic, so it is very common for people to feel fed up, frustrated, worried or anxious. Breathlessness can have a huge impact on peoples’ lives and can be very stressful. It can often feel like life has been turned upside down or as if life is on pause. Breathlessness psychologists think about emotional wellbeing as well as physical wellbeing, as we understand them to be linked.
Treatment
We offer:
- Inpatient 1-1 support (respiratory)
- Outpatient 1-1 support (respiratory and cardiac patients)
- Signposting to helpful resources and local support groups
The service also provides psychological input and joint work within our hospital-based Pulmonary Rehab programmes. We also offer specialist support, education and training to our colleagues to enable them to understand and work with the emotional needs of patients.
Who is suitable for treatment?
Any patient living with a respiratory condition (such as COPD, Interstitial Lung Disease, or Bronchiecstasis) and experiencing distress due to their breathlessness can be considered for a referral to our service. For patients currently in hospital, an inpatient referral can be made for support by their healthcare team. Patients seen outside of hospital who may also benefit from a longer course of treatment can request an outpatient referral through their Community team.
As well as respiratory conditions, we also welcome outpatient referrals for patients living with cardiac conditions who are struggling with breathlessness.
How long will treatment last?
Treatment will vary and is dependent upon the individual needs of patients, however for outpatients we typically offer up to 12 treatment sessions.