This page will help you to ensure vulnerable patients receive additional support during power cuts by registering them with Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks’ Priority Services register.
Many patients living with a lung condition rely on electricity every day, whether to power essential medical equipment, keep their home warm, or stay connected to vital support. Power cuts can affect their breathing, comfort and safety, especially for those who depend on equipment such as oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines or nebulisers, or whose condition worsens due to cold or stress.
Asthma + Lung UK and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) have partnered to ensure that all people living with a lung condition across Northern Scotland and Central Southern England are aware of the support available to them.
How to share the Priority Services register
Take two simple steps to make sure your patients living with a breathing difficulty are supported and prepared for power outages.
Step 1. Signpost them to the Priority Services register
Signing patients up to the free Priority Services register will provide them with:
- 24 hour power cut updates for planned and unplanned outages
- Additional welfare support during longer power cuts, including extra check-ins and practical support (e.g. meals or accommodation) if required
- A dedicated support line
- A personalised Power Cut Plan
Patients can register in one of three ways: by scanning the QR codes on our posters, by calling 0800 294 3259, or online.
Send an SMS
If you work in general practice, copy, paste and send this SMS to people who rely on medical equipment who are on your asthma and COPD disease registers or who have a read code for a respiratory condition including asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease or lung fibrosis.
If you work in a specialist respiratory team or in a pulmonary rehabilitation service, share it with patients who attend your clinics or who are on your contact lists.
Hi (patient name), it is (HCP name) from (clinic). Please sign up to
SSEN’s Priority Services register for support if
there is a power cut: SSEN.CO.UK/HERETOHELP
Print or download our poster
Display our Priority Services poster in your waiting room or other patient areas to help start conversations about staying safe and supported during power cuts.
It is a simple way to remind people with lung conditions that signing up to the Priority Services register can provide free additional support during planned and unplanned power cuts, particularly over the winter months.
Step 2. Signpost them to Asthma + Lung UK’s support groups and helpline
Direct your patients who need additional support to Asthma + Lung UK’s helpline 0300 222 5800 or our online and in person support groups.
You can find further information and resources in our communications toolkit.
If your patient doesn’t live in SSEN’s distribution areas
Tell your patient they can visit the UK Priority Services Register website. They can enter their postcode to see who their Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is and sign up to their Priority Services.
