A pioneering partnership between Wirral Ways and the Wirral Integrated Respiratory Team has won a prestigious national award for improving healthcare access and outcomes for people who use drugs or alcohol.
The service was named Best Respiratory Service/Team at the 2025 Excellence in Respiratory Care Awards, hosted by the Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists (ARNS). This recognition highlights years of work delivering effective, compassionate care to people at high risk of developing serious lung conditions—particularly those who have historically been excluded from mainstream health services.
The project began in response to an urgent local issue. In 2015/16, 66 deaths among people in treatment for drug and alcohol use were linked to respiratory (lung-related) causes. Many of these could have been prevented with earlier screening, diagnosis, and support.
People who use opiates—such as heroin or strong prescription painkillers—are significantly more likely to develop chronic lung conditions. National research has found that they are 10 times more likely to die from respiratory disease than people who don’t use these substances. Locally, the Wirral Drug Strategy found that people over 45 who use opiates are seven times more likely to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than the general population.
Despite this, no targeted respiratory care pathway existed at the time for people accessing drug and alcohol treatment.
Determined to address the gap, staff at Wirral Ways began offering simple screening tools within their service. These included the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), the Modified Medical Research Council Breathlessness Scale (mMRC), and the COPD-6 device—a handheld screening tool that detects potential signs of lung damage.
In their first year of using these tools, the team screened 2,810 people and identified 996 individuals—over a third—as showing signs of possible lung damage.
At first, results were shared with people’s GPs (general practitioners) to encourage further investigation. But a more joined-up approach was needed to ensure people got the help they needed quickly and easily.
In 2021, with support from a government programme called Project ADDER (Addiction, Diversion, Disruption, Enforcement, Recovery), Wirral Ways and the NHS Wirral Integrated Respiratory Team launched a new model: an onsite COPD clinic, based within drug and alcohol services and open to anyone in treatment who might need it.
COPD—short for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—is a group of long-term lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. It includes conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema and often worsens over time if not diagnosed and managed early.
The new service now runs four clinics every week, directly from Wirral Ways locations. Staff include Health and Wellbeing Support Workers, who are trained as both drug and alcohol recovery practitioners and healthcare assistants. They carry out initial checks, help people attend appointments, and support them through their healthcare journey.
Each appointment lasts around 45 minutes and includes observations like blood pressure and weight checks. If needed, people can be prescribed inhalers during the appointment or referred for additional tests, such as chest X-rays or sputum (phlegm) testing. A taxi fund is available so that travel costs never prevent someone from attending.
If a diagnosis is confirmed, it is sent to the person’s GP along with a copy for Wirral Ways staff, ensuring ongoing support and follow-up care.
Since launching, the service has delivered:
- 842 full respiratory reviews
- 449 new assessments
- 393 follow-up appointments
- 704 individuals identified with existing respiratory diagnoses (159 of whom saw changes to their diagnosis)
- 138 newly diagnosed individuals who had no prior respiratory condition
More than 90% of service users rated their experience as ‘Good’, ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’. Many reported better breathing, a greater understanding of their health, and more confidence when accessing NHS services.
Jen Bibby, Health & Wellbeing Team Leader at Wirral Ways, has supported the project since the early days.
“When we started in 2021, we only had one clinic a week. Now, respiratory care is simply part of what we do. It’s had a huge impact—not just on people’s health, but also their wellbeing, lifestyle, and how supported they feel.”
The model has drawn attention beyond Wirral. In September 2024, it was featured in the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System (ICS) Bulletin as an example of national best practice. Several areas—including Coventry—are now working on their own versions, supported by a free guidance pack and cost breakdown.
Gerry Pangalis, Service Manager at Wirral Ways, said:
“This award is a testament to what can be achieved through true partnership. From screening and referrals to the clinics and follow-up care, every part of the system came together to make this happen.”
He praised the entire team, including:
- Respiratory nurses Liz, Paula, Chris, Adam, Stef, Gemma and Jo
- Admin staff Mary and Sue
- Health and Wellbeing Support Workers and volunteers Becky Thompson, Laura Brookes, Yvonne Booth-Xypaki, David Dowell, Serena Harbison, Ray Bowe and Dan Merity
- Project leaders Nikki Heywood, Dr Aadil Shah, and Jen Bibby
Nikki Heywood, Project Manager, added:
“This partnership has improved health for people who often face discrimination when trying to access services. Everyone brought their skills and compassion to the table—and we’ve created something truly life-changing.”
Dr Aadil Shah, Regional Clinical Lead at national charity Change Grow Live (which runs Wirral Ways), called it a “symbol of what’s possible” when care is built around people’s real needs.
“This isn’t just about one clinic. It’s about what happens when systems work together to make things better.”
The service continues to grow. The team is now exploring:
- Outreach clinics in hostels and community venues
- Working with Probation services to offer screening in justice settings
- Training for NHS respiratory staff to build awareness of substance use and reduce stigma
- Stronger data tracking and impact measurement
David Bamford, National Director at Change Grow Live, said:
“What’s been achieved here doesn’t just help Wirral—it sets the bar for how health and support services can work together. The need is growing, but we’ve shown what’s possible.”
This award is more than a trophy. It represents the voices of people who turned up, the commitment of staff who never gave up, and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to breathe easier—no matter their background, health, or history.
About Wirral Ways: A free, confidential drug and alcohol support service across Wirral—part of Change Grow Live—offering non-judgmental care, counselling, group sessions, clinical support, housing assistance and outreach in community hubs and via partnerships.
About the Wirral Integrated Respiratory Team: A specialist team providing joined-up care for people with respiratory conditions across Wirral, including rehab, oxygen therapy, and chronic disease support.
About the Awards: Presented by ARNS, these awards celebrate individuals and teams delivering exceptional, innovative, and person-centred respiratory care across health, social care, research, and education sectors.
About the Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists (ARNS): Founded in 1997, ARNS is the UK’s only nursing‑led professional organisation for respiratory nurse specialists. It champions excellence in respiratory nursing practice, supports professional development, and advocates for respiratory health policy across the NHS, academia, and the wider care community
Wirral Drug Strategy: https://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/documents/s50102600/Appendix%201.%20for%20Wirral%20Drugs%20Strategy.pdf
[About Project ADDER: A Home Office-led initiative (Autumn 2020–March 2025) tackling drug misuse in England and Wales via coordinated enforcement, diversion, treatment, and recovery partnerships across 13 high‑impact areas.
Wirral CCG Article: https://www.wirralccg.nhs.uk/posts/improving-respiratory-care-for-those-seeking-drug-and-alcohol-treatment-in-wirral