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Services

Physiologists

The physiologist team at the Lung Function Unit provide a large variety of diagnostic investigations for patients in Dudley and neighbouring areas. These tests are primarily Respiratory with some upper GI. These can lead to diagnosis and treatment pathways. Pre-Operative assessments and long term monitoring of patients is often also required.

The team work with patients of mainly adult age and strive to create a welcoming and helpful environment for all patients, visitors and staff. The investigations are carried out in purpose built areas in a private and dignified setting. The team are highly trained to offer quality patient care whilst producing a variety of accurate and reproducible results.

Spirometry is the most common test procedure performed. This is carried out in a variety of clinical settings. These include wards, respiratory outpatient clinics and within the lung function unit labs.

Inpatient spirometry tests are conducted Monday to Friday from 9am until 12noon and should only be requested via Sunrise. If your patient requires a clinically urgent spirometry in the afternoon, please contact the department directly to discuss on Ext 3167.

 

Detailed pulmonary function tests are carried out within the lung function unit labs on specialist equipment. These tests can be requested by Doctors within the Dudley Group of Hospitals.

Referrals can be made by completing the paper Lung Function Request Form, found on the Hub under Documents/Forms by specialty/Respiratory/Lung Function Referral Form.

All forms are processed and vetted daily and should be sent to the Lung Function Unit, Ground Floor, West Wing, Russells Hall Hospital.

All tests and procedures are conducted Monday to Friday, from 8:30am until 4pm.

List of available tests are given below:

 

Pulmonary Function Tests

  • Reversibility (MDI or Nebuliser)
  • Full Pulmonary Function Tests (Flow Volume Loops, Lung Volumes by Nitrogen Washout, Single Breath Transfer Factor)
  • Whole Body Plethysmography
  • Muscle Pressures

Exercise Testing

  • 6 minute Walk
  • Shuttle Walk
  • Bronchial Lability
  • Cardio-Respiratory

Other Respiratory Function

  • Arterial Blood Gas Sampling
  • Mannitol Challenge Testing
  • Hypoxic Inhalation Test

Gastro-Intestinal Tests

  • 24 Hour ambulatory pH monitoring
  • Oesophageal Manometry
  • Hydrogen Breath Testing

 

Sleep Service
The sleep service is located within the lung function unit and involves the diagnosis; treatment and long term follow up of patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome.
This includes overnight oximetry, detailed sleep studies, the setting up of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment as well as yearly follow up and continued support of patients and equipment.

GP’s can refer directly for sleep assessment via the e-referral Lung Function Open Access form. Hospital Doctors can request assessment by means of a paper Lung Function request located on The Hub. Lung Function Request Form. All results are reviewed and reported on by a specialist respiratory/sleep consultant. Patients requiring further investigation / treatment are then seen in a consultant led clinic before being referred to the physiologist team.

 

Long Term Nebuliser Service

The Lung Function Unit is responsible for the maintenance of Long Term nebulisers issued by DRAS at the request of a Respiratory Consultant to patients within the community.

This involves medical device education to patients or carers as well as yearly exchange of the machine and supply of essential consumables.

A weekly nebuliser maintenance clinics runs within the department. We do not offer home visits.

For more information or advice, contact:

  • Physiologists for General Enquires – Tel: 01384 456 111 Ext 3167
  • Lead Physiologist Tel: 01384 456 111 Ext 3566 – Harry Patel (harry.patel1@nhs.net)