COPD Annual Review

What is a COPD Annual Review

If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), we invite you to attend an annual review to help us monitor your condition and support you to stay as well as possible.

Regular reviews help us identify any changes early, optimise your treatment, and reduce the risk of flare-ups (exacerbations).

Why your annual review is important

Your COPD annual review allows us to:

  • Check how your symptoms are affecting you day to day
  • Review your inhalers and ensure you are using them correctly
  • Reduce the risk of flare-ups and hospital admissions
  • Support your breathing, activity levels and quality of life

Even if your symptoms feel stable, it’s important to attend.

What happens during the appointment?

Your annual review will be conducted by our specialist Respiratory Nurse, Ann Timms, and may include:

  • Review of your symptoms, breathlessness and activity levels
  • Oxygen saturation check
  • Review of inhalers and inhaler technique
  • Discussion about flare-ups or recent chest infections
  • Smoking status and support to stop smoking (if applicable)
  • Vaccination check (flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal)
  • Review of your personalised COPD action plan
  • Referral or advice about pulmonary rehabilitation if appropriate

Not all elements are required for every patient — your review will be tailored to you.

How often is the review?

  • Once every 12 months

  • You may be invited more frequently if your symptoms change or you have had recent flare-ups

How to book your COPD review

We will contact you directly when your review is due. You may be asked to complete an online questionnaire to help prepare for your appointment before booking.

Please contact the surgery if you:

  • are unable to complete the questionnaire
  • are unable to make an appointment using the booking link provided, or
  • believe your review is overdue

A member of our reception team will be happy to assist you.

If your symptoms worsen

If you experience:

  • Increased breathlessness
  • Changes in sputum colour or amount
  • Fever or signs of infection

Please contact the surgery promptly. Early treatment can prevent symptoms from worsening.

If you are very unwell or struggling to breathe, call 999.

Help between reviews

If you have COPD and need advice outside of your annual review:

  • During opening hours: contact the practice
  • Out of hours: call NHS 111

Additional support

You may benefit from:

  • Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes
  • Smoking cessation services
  • Local respiratory or wellbeing support services

Please speak to a member of the clinical team if you would like more information.