Why I became an Asthma UK nurse
Leanne Hale started working for the Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation Helpline in December 2020. Here, she answers questions about her experience working as a nurse on our Helpline and supporting people with asthma during the pandemic.
What made you want to become a nurse on our Helpline?
Asthma UK has provided so much support and resource to both myself and my patients over the years. I wanted to be able to work on a national platform and reach more people with respiratory conditions, to give them the support they need. As Respiratory Nurse Specialists, we also provide a valuable service to support and educate healthcare professionals, including GPs and Practice Nurses.
My father has asthma, which was diagnosed in later life - although he had symptoms for many years. I wish I had known about our Helpline, because I could have signposted him, so he could ring up and discuss the diagnosis. He would always say "it’s not real asthma", but all asthma is real and should be taken seriously. He would have really benefited from someone taking the time to explain the symptoms and diagnosis. Luckily, he’s had it drummed into him now!
What’s the most rewarding part of the job?
Being able to spend time talking to patients and helping them is amazing. It doesn’t matter if the call is 20 minutes or an hour, we are there to provide empathy and advice to improve and support patients’ lives, which is ultimately why I became a nurse on our Helpline. I feel very privileged that patients share their experiences and concerns with us. In that one phone call we build a trusting relationship, that educates, guides and supports patients in the management of their asthma.
What’s the hardest part of the job?
You never know who is going to call in, and what advice they are looking for. Life is like a box of chocolates, as they say! Although this can be a challenge at times, it is also what I love about being a nurse on our Helpline.
What are the most common concerns of callers at the present time?
The most common concerns from callers at present are around COVID-19, and asthma flare-ups triggered by hay fever. People are also concerned about not being able to get an appointment with their healthcare professional. The past 12 months has seen a huge change in access to services in the NHS and this has been clear from the calls we have received. Some people are reluctant to visit GPs, as they do not want to take up their valuable time. However, we always recommend that you contact your GP if you experience changes to your symptoms.
Mental health concerns have also been a major factor in a lot of calls. Some callers have felt lonely and isolated as a result of shielding and now, as restrictions are easing, they feel anxious about returning to day-to-day life. Even though we don't have all the answers, I feel I can have a positive impact during such a difficult time.
Are you excited about the progress being made in asthma research, activism and awareness?
The current campaign for urgent action on air pollution is very exciting - not only for those with lung conditions, but also for the environment. We need to protect everyone from the harm of breathing in dirty air and educate people about the effects it has on those with asthma and other lung conditions. I am also pleased that Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation has been involved in research developing new ways to rapidly diagnose COVID-19 infection.
As a nurse on our Helpline and an advocate for patients, improving access to life-changing treatments is also something I am very passionate about. I am pleased that our charity is working with the NHS, so more people with severe asthma can try biologic treatments. I am excited about the benefits that all these advances will bring for people affected by asthma.
To find out more about our Helpline and the support we provide, visit our website. You can speak to one of our Helpline team on 0300 222 5800 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or message us on WhatsApp.
Asthma research is severely underfunded
DID YOU KNOW: Research into respiratory diseases like asthma accounts for just 2% of all the medical research funding in the UK.
This underfunding is exactly why we launched the 2021 Research Appeal...
