Paula Browne

Paula Browne is a Senior Respiratory Nurse Specialist at Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital Trust, UK.

Paula qualified in 1989 and has been practicing in Respiratory Medicine in Norwich since 1991, with her current specialist role commencing in 1997. Over the years,she has been deeply committed to enhancing services and care for patients with respiratory conditions. Notably, Paula established Norfolk’s first Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme and the Breathe Easy Norwich patient support group in 1998, followed by the launch of the Singing for Breathing group in 2008.

In 2004, Paula developed the Early Supported Discharge Service for patients with COPD, which she continues to support through the Virtual Ward. Additionally, she has led the Home Oxygen Assessment Service at the hospital since its inception. In early 2022, she founded the Hyperinflation Clinic at NNUH and has thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with the surgical thoracic team in preparing patients for Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS) and valve interventions.

Paula’s academic achievements include a First-Class Honours Degree in Nursing Studies from the University of East Anglia (UEA) in 1998, followed by a Master of Science in Health Science in 2004. She has also contributed to lung disease research at UEA and participated in working groups for the British Lung Foundation (now Asthma & Lung UK).

Paula works alongside a dedicated and highly skilled nursing team, and continues to find great fulfillment in addressing the daily challenges of caring for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Paula has stated it is an honour to serve as a member of the Emphysema Task Force for the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS).