When visiting the service you will be provided with information regarding your condition including how to recognise triggers, signs and symptoms, understanding your medications, how to use inhalers and self-management strategies.
Additional services offered through Respiratory Education include spirometry and lung function testing, home oxygen assessment, and school or community education.
Children are able to see the Paediatric Asthma Educator.
If you have asthma, COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis or other respiratory conditions you are eligible to attend.
Warrnambool Community Health
Self-referral is welcome for education and respiratory device checks.
A referral from a physician is required for Home Oxygen assessment.
To make appointment, please contact Access and Information by:
Calling (03) 5563 4000
Emailing intake@swh.net.au
Faxing (03) 5563 1669
Visiting us at Warrnambool Community Health Koroit Street
Sending referrals to: Access and Information, Warrnambool Community Health, Koroit St, Warrnambool
October marks the start of grass pollen season in Victoria, and South West residents are being urged to prepare for high-risk thunderstorm asthma days and take action to stay safe throughout this year’s grass pollen season.
During grass pollen season (1 October – 31 December) people may notice an increase in asthma and/or hay fever symptoms. Grass pollen season also brings the chance of epidemic thunderstorm asthma.
Thunderstorm asthma is triggered by a unique combination of high amounts of grass pollen in the air and a certain type of thunderstorm. When a large number of people develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time, related to high grass pollen and a certain type of thunderstorm, it is known as epidemic thunderstorm asthma.
For people with asthma or hay fever, especially those who experience wheezing or coughing, thunderstorm asthma can sometimes be sudden, serious and even life threatening.
The symptoms of asthma, hay fever and COVID can be similar, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between them.
If you are experiencing symptoms different to your usual asthma and hay fever, or if they have restarted after a period of absence or if you are unsure – get tested for COVID and stay home whilst you are unwell.
If you get hay fever or if you have asthma, the safest thing to do is to stay indoors and keep your windows closed on high risk days.
Make sure you have your reliever inhalers handy and that your asthma action plan is up to date.
To keep up to date with Asthma thunderstorm forecast regularly check the state forecast and risk on the VicEmergency app/website or online here: Prepare and Get Ready – VicEmergency
To learn more about thunderstorm asthma and how to stay safe this season, visit: Thunderstorm Asthma -Department of Health, Victoria
Referrals will be accepted from clinicians, self-referral, family and carers and specialists.
You can find the Community Health Referral form here.