We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.
You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.
To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:
On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.
On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.
Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.
Respiratory conditions can be affected by anything from air quality and the weather to your housing. Being aware can enable you to make changes that could improve your wellbeing. Here we bring together links to a range of relevant topics. Each of the links opens in a new window/tab.
Living with a chest condition - Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS)
Air pollution can be a real issue for people with respiratory conditions so it is important that you know about the risks and how to avoid them, as far as possible. Each of the links below opens in a new window/tab.
Air pollution - Asthma + Lung UK
Indoor air pollution - Asthma + Lung UK
Living with a respiratory condition can have a major impact on your financial situation, so it's important to make sure that you get all the help which is due to you. Each of the links below opens in a new window/tab.
Financial support - a leaflet from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS)
Benefits and financial support - Asthma + Lung UK
Welfare support - Highland Council.
Anybody can self refer to the Highland Council Welfare Team by emailing: welfare.support@highland.gov.uk or phoning 0800 090 1004
Citizens Advice Scotland - or call 0800 028 1456 for free, one-to-one and impartial general advice on employment, housing, debt, benefits and consumer issues like energy bills as well as many other topics. Open Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm
Worrying about money - a leaflet from Highland Council and NHS Highland
There is no reason why people with respiratory conditions shouldn't be able to travel and go on holiday, but you may need to spend a little extra time planning your trip. Each of the links below opens in a new window/tab.
Holidays and travel - My lungs, my life
Driving with a medical condition - a leaflet from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS)
Air travel - a leaflet from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS)
Travel and motor insurance - a leaflet from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS)
If you are living with a respiratory condition it can be especially important to ensure your home is warm and free from damp. Each of the links below opens in a new window/tab.
Home Energy Scotland - information and advice about reducing your energy bills, saving money and making your home warmer
Make my home warmer - Home Energy Scotland
Highland Council - Housing - housing information from the Highland Council
Citizens Advice Scotland - or call 0800 028 1456 for free, one-to-one and impartial general advice on employment, housing, debt, benefits and consumer issues like energy bills as well as many other topics. Open Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm
Towards a Healthy Home - Managing Dampness, Humidity and Air Quality - a presentation from Lochalsh & Skye Housing Association
Healthy Home - Humidity and Air Quality - A Self Help Guide - a talk by Donnie Mackay, Energy Advice Manager
Did you know both cold weather and hot weather can trigger an exacerbation (flare up) of your symptoms, especially if you become dehydrated in hot weather. Each of the links below opens in a new window/tab.
Met office weather alert emails
Keeping well in cold weather - Asthma + Lung UK
Looking after your lungs in hot weather - Asthma + Lung UK
Are you Winter Ready? - a video from LGOWIT (now MySelf-Management)
Living with a long term respiratory condition does not necessarily mean that you will have to stop working. Each of the links below opens in a new window/tab.
Work and COPD - My Lungs, My Life
Citizens Advice Scotland - or call 0800 028 1456 for free, one-to-one and impartial general advice on employment, housing, debt, benefits and consumer issues like energy bills as well as many other topics. Open Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm
Respiratory Resource Hub for patients and carers