The Co-operative Pharmacy is warning COPD patients about the latest changes to the weather to help them better manage their condition.

Patients receive an automated phone call when changes in the weather, pollution levels, and circulating infections could cause their condition to worsen, as part of the Healthy Outlook scheme launched last month in partnership with the Met Office.

The service has been rolled out free of charge in 26 Co-operative Pharmacy branches in Lancashire	More on COPD MUR project shows boost to respiratory outcomes Update: managing COPD App of the week: COPD tracker
	Patients have also received an advice pack on COPD, which will include tools to help them "manage their condition" The service has been rolled out free of charge in 26 Co-operative Pharmacy branches in Lancashire, where it has secured funding from the Department of Health National Innovation Fund. But patients in the Midlands will have to pay for the service.

The service could save the NHS money by cutting back on hospital admissions, the Co-operative Pharmacy said. It highlighted that COPD was the second highest cause of emergency hospital admissions – costing £1,960 per hospital admission in the Lancashire region.

"Around 25 per cent of those emergency admissions [patients] have never previously been in hospital due to their COPD, but have a sudden exacerbation," the Co-operative said. "This group is the most likely to benefit from the Healthy Outlook service, and they are also the patients who are less likely to visit their GP regularly."

The Co-operative Pharmacy said the Healthy Outlook service had "already proven to be successful" in a GP setting, but stressed that providing the service in pharmacies would ensure more people had access to the advice and support.

"This is a simple concept that empowers patients, helping them to take control of their condition and prevent flare-ups from occurring," said Jane Devenish, clinical services pharmacist at Co-Operative Pharmacy. "Offering Healthy Outlook in a community pharmacy setting will offer greater accessibility to COPD health advice and offer positive benefits for the NHS."

The Healthy Outlook service is also available to purchase online for £29 a year at pharmacy.co.uk.