DREAM MACHINE
Grandpa Ken can sleep lying down for first time in 18 months thanks to high-tech mask
AN OAP spent 18 months sleeping in a chair because debilitating lung condition COPD stopped him getting any sleep lying down.
But new technology being trialled in Glasgow has meant he can now enjoy a full night’s kip in a bed for the first time in more than two years.
Ken Rutherford, of Milngavie, near Glasgow, couldn’t breathe when he lay down and was kept up all night coughing.
Even in the chair he only managed to cat-nap for an hour or two at most, so he spent his entire day exhausted.
But now he has a new lease of life thanks to the technology at Gartnavel General Hospital.
Ken, 71, who worked in the whisky industry, said: “I had to sleep in a chair for 18 months and before that for six months I was up and down all night.
“I lay down and maybe got half an hour, then I was up again coughing up phlegm.
“Even in the chair, I got two hours at most and then had to get up to clear my chest. But in April, I was given non-invasive ventilation treatment, using a machine which monitors my breathing remotely.
“The difference was instant. Between January and April, I had 12 doctors’ visits, 11 paramedic call-outs and 27 days in hospital as well as having to sleep in an armchair.
“Since April, I have had just one paramedic call-out. In terms of cost to the health board, this must be an enormous saving. The cost of the machine is less than one night’s stay in hospital.
“I always felt guilty at calling out paramedics when the service is so under pressure.”
Ken now sleeps with a mask which gives him air and oxygen and the information is relayed back to doctors at Gartnavel.
The machine can be adjusted remotely if needed –which prevents Ken having to go into hospital.
Dr Chris Carlin, who first put Ken on the treatment, said: “This is delivery of evidencebased realistic medicine, and it’s already improving patients’ symptoms, quality of life and healthcare costs.
“It is for those who, despite other treatment, have severe, persistent, recurring failure. That could be around 10 per cent of all COPD patients.
“Other patients will be considered for this by their local respiratory team, particularly if there have been admissions to hospital where acute NIV treatment has been required.”