25 February Bronchiectasis Clinic and MCN: Dr Ximena Recabarren
Note: Due to coronavirus we have had to suspend our face to face meetings. However, on 27 October we trialled a virtual meeting over zoom. A summary of that meeting is below. There was interest in holding further zoom meetings; a Christmas meeting over zoom is scheduled for 3pm on Tuesday 15 December. This Christmas meeting will take the form of a short exchange of views on how people are feeling now about the pandemic and latest developments, accompanied by whatever refreshments/eats people wish to provide for themselves – followed by a quiz, an event which proved particularly popular at past Christmas meetings. If you are interested to attend this please e-mail breathtakerszoom@gmail.com indicating interest.
Summary of Meeting of 27 October over Zoom
Our first Zoom meeting of the Group turned out to be very successful and informative. Kim Turnbull, specialist bronchiectasis nurse at RIE, gave a summary of the arrangements now operating at the RIE clinic – largely telephone consultations, with face to face consultations only with the most serious cases. While less than ideal, given, for example, the inability to carry out spirometry (breathing) tests, these interim arrangements had worked fairly well. With COVID-19 cases are on the rise again, there is no indication of when the clinic might return to operating normally. Kim further explained that a lot of resources – staff and ward space – had been devoted to COVID-19 cases. Demand had increased again recently.
There followed a discussion on the general effects of the restrictions. Most concentrated on the problems of isolation – in particular not being able to see friends and family. Disquiet was also expressed about some in the community not wearing face masks; equally there was discussion about the difficulties experienced by those who, for medical reasons, cannot weak face masks. I was noted that badges or lanyards were available to address this issue.
Mostyn (Vice-Chair of Group) provided a brief update of the work of CHSS during lockdown. In common with many other charities, CHSS has faced an extremely challenging time with the restrictions, particularly through loss of income from their shops; a number of staff had to be furloughed and unfortunately some had to leave. Detailed work has also been progressing on the different types of support arrangements which CHSS might offer to their varying affiliated groups in future.
Lastly, we talked about future meetings. There was general agreement that we should hold further zoom meetings – a Christmas one and perhaps one other in the first couple of months of next year. Details of these will be circulated to all on our mailing list in due course.
Summary of Meeting of 15 December – Christmas Meeting
This was again held over Zoom. Following a brief general exchange of views, Mostyn Tuckwell, Vice Chairman of the Group ran a quiz – a regular feature of recent Christmas meetings. It was very well received and a welcome distraction from the ongoing issues and restrictions facing us currently.
Next Meeting: Please see the 2021 Meeting Programme page for further information.
Updated on 5 January 2021.