About Us
We accept referrals from healthcare professionals for patients over the age of 18 who have a confirmed diagnosis of chronic lung disease and require help with chest clearance and/or breathlessness management. We also support patients with breathing pattern disorders and neuromuscular conditions with respiratory complications.
Patients who have been seen previously can contact us again for further advice regarding their lung condition. If experiencing a sudden worsening of symptoms please contact GP/111/999 as appropriate.
We support patients across North Derbyshire and our appointments can be:
- Outpatient clinics
- Telephone appointments
- Video appointments
- Home visits can be arranged for housebound patients only.
We will assess and offer advice to patients and their families / carers on their respiratory condition.
We will assess your condition and give you care which is tailored to you. Other things we do include;
- Education about your lung condition
- Advice about managing respiratory infections
- Different sputum clearance techniques
- Advice and techniques for dealing with breathlessness
- Advice and management of respiratory symptoms for people with complex neuromuscular conditions
- Treatment for breathing pattern disorders
We also offer advice, support and education for other healthcare professionals.
Following your first appointment we will arrange further reviews based on your needs.
Once your episode of care is complete we will discharge you. Patients who have been seen previously can contact us again for further advice regarding their lung condition.
What do I do if my symptoms are worsening?
Patients who have been seen previously can contact us again for further advice regarding their lung condition. If experiencing a sudden worsening of symptoms please contact GP/111/999 as appropriate.
Can you provide/assess for oxygen therapy?
No – all oxygen enquiries need to be directed to the Home Oxygen nurse service based at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
T: 01246 516128 Or E: CRHFT.HOS@nhs.net
What do I do if my airway clearance device has broken/needs replacing?
Please contact the service to discuss replacement device.
I need to contact Medequip
If you have any equipment loaned from Medequip and have an issue/concern please contact Medequip directly on 01773 604426.
Can you provide a repeat prescription?
We may change your respiratory medication during your episode of care. However for any repeat prescriptions please contact your GP practice.
Do you offer home visits?
Home visits are prioritised for those who are housebound. Appointments are either via phone, video or in a clinic setting. Transport can be arranged to attend clinic if you meet EMAS criteria (see useful links).
How Do I refer?
Please complete relevant referral form in link below or send e-referral on TPP SystmOne to the DCHS Respiratory team.
What are your current waiting times?
Whilst we are planned care and do work within national waiting time targets, waiting times can vary. Please discuss this with our admin team by phone or email.
Can I refer a patient for spirometry testing?
No – routine spirometry should be provided within primary care. We may undertake this if we feel there is an identified clinical need during our period of care.
How can my patient get a nebuliser?
Please refer to respiratory nurses for assessment if patient has severe COPD and is struggling to manage symptoms.
If patient requires a nebuliser assessment for asthma please refer to secondary care.
If patient is palliative the community nursing team can order through their network lead.
If patient is needing hypertonic saline this needs to be assessed and carried out by secondary care.
Can you accept referrals for suction?
Within the community setting oral suctioning can be provided by physiotherapists and nurses. Caregivers can be trained to perform airway suctioning. Oral suctioning may be necessary as swallowing becomes less effective. It is performed to remove excess secretions from the mouth to maintain comfort and oral hygiene. Oral suction can help manage secretions when the swallow and cough are less effective to help maintain comfort and minimise drooling.
The service accepts referrals for adult patients who have complex airway clearance needs with ineffective cough who require advanced airway clearance techniques. For patients whose symptoms can be addressed with oral suctioning, healthcare professionals are directed to read attached DCHS Oral Suction guidelines for adults and carers. The service will help to support clinicians to upskill on delivering effective oral suctioning if there is an identified need, contact service on 01246 253067.