PATIENTS who use inhalers are being given the chance to get their technique checked.

Specialist respiratory nurses will be on hand at Airedale Hospital next week to offer advice.

An information stand will be staged on the top landing above the main entrance between 9.30am and noon Monday to Thursday and in the outpatients department next Friday morning.

Colette Scully, from the community health team, who will man the stand with colleague Sophie Carrow, said: "We are inviting anyone who wants to check whether they are using the right inhaler technique to come and see us.

"It may be that people feel they aren't getting any benefit from their inhaler, don't like their existing ones or aren't taking them as prescribed."

Studies show that over half of patients who use an inhaler don't have the correct technique.

During the week, the hospital's specialist respiratory nurses also aim to see every patient admitted with a flare-up of asthma or COPD to observe their inhaler usage.

And they will raise awareness among other healthcare professionals and the public of new devices available, particularly for people with a lack of dexterity, memory issues or poor eyesight.

Advice can also be obtained from the Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven respiratory team's Facebook page – facebook.com/AWC-respiratory-network-723377324459412/ – or follow the team on Twitter @awc_resp.