Primary Care Respiratory Update (PCRU)

Winter brings predictable surges in respiratory illness and pressure across urgent and emergency care. This paper sets out a practical, primary care-led framework to reduce avoidable demand by acting earlier on respiratory risk. We describe seven interventions:

1. Data-driven risk stratification
2. Personalised self‑management planning
3. Maximising vaccination uptake
4. Treating tobacco dependence
5. Smart safe use of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rescue packs
6. Linking with community teams and social prescribers
7. Coordination with community pharmacy.

Each intervention includes concrete ‘Actions’ for implementation and is supported by real-world case studies. Taken together, these measures offer a replicable approach to anticipatory neighbourhood‑based care that can reduce exacerbations and admissions and address health inequalities over winter while improving patient experience and professional collaboration.