A WOMAN in Oxfordshire with a rare lung condition is one of the first patients to trial a special device that will save her multiple hospital visits every year.

Simone Hunter from Childrey, near Wantage, has received care at both the Churchill and John Radcliffe hospitals in Oxford for the last eight years to treat her chronic sarcoidosis – a rare inflammatory condition that can lead to progressing scarring in her organs.

This means that she experiences breathing problems, chronic pain, and fatigue, among other issues that restricts her from working – this also means that she is at high risk of Covid-19.

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Before the Covid-19 crisis started, her care required multiple hospital visits, however, in November last year Ms Hunter received a spirometer to help with her lung function testing.

She is one of 160 extremely vulnerable patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILD) who have benefited from the new home monitoring service provided by Oxford University Hospitals.

Spirometer – the new device that the trust has been sending to patients

Spirometer – the new device that the trust has been sending to patients

The trust's interstitial lung disease service launched a new service in September, which allows patients to carry out lung function testing (spirometry) in their own home.

Such monitoring can detect progression in their lung disease or response to treatment, without the need to attend hospital.

Spirometers can detect how well the lungs are working by accurately measuring the largest breath a person can take and how quickly they can force that breath out.

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Ms Hunter commented on how this device has changer her life: "The interstitial lung disease service has been totally exemplary.

"The team has somehow managed to continue high levels of care during such the pandemic.

"In this past year, staff have been even more thorough and gone the extra mile to provide even better care while keeping us safe.

"I wanted to say a huge thank you to the staff involved as I am so grateful.

"The spirometer has been so useful as it has meant we can keep track of my lung function without leaving the house or putting anyone at risk during the pandemic."

These devices have been sent to homes across Oxfordshire and surrounding counties allowing patients to carry out their test at home and email results in.