UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS DIVISION
Department of Respiratory Medicine
PROTOCOL FOR REFERRAL TO RAPID ACCESS RESPIRATORY CLINIC AT
THE WESTERN GENERAL HOSPITAL, EDINBURGH
Any patient with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD presenting to their GP, and who
resides in the North of Edinburgh will be eligible for assessment.
In particular, patients in whom emergency admission to hospital could potentially be
avoided by timely assessment including CXR, ABG, respiratory specialist nurse
assessment and provision of specialist equipment including home nebuliser or home
oxygen therapy.
It will however be necessary for the GP to arrange transport to the hospital for
assessment.
Exclusion Criteria:
-
Reduced consciousness or confusion
Diagnostic uncertainty
Asthma, Bronchiectasis, Lung Cancer, Interstitial Lung Disease, Cystic
Fibrosis, suspected TB
Referral to the Respiratory Nurse Specialists can be made Mon-Fri between the
hours of 0900hrs - 1600hrs with the exception of the Public Holidays and
* Saturday between 0900hrs – 1200hrs on:
-
Mobile Numbers: 07960135202 / 07720508695.
Referrals from GPs will be reviewed in clinic within 24 hours.
Clinic times:
Clinic location:
Monday – Friday 13.00 to 15.00 hours.*
1st Floor main Out-Patient Department, clinic B.
* A Saturday clinic from 9.00 to 13.00 will operate from 29th Dec. 07 to 29th Mar.
08 (Located Provisionally in Ward 54, but awaits confirmation).
Following review patients will either be:
-
Admitted to hospital
Reviewed at home by the respiratory nurse specialists
Followed up by telephone
Referred back to Primary Care once stable
Followed up in Respiratory out-patients
A summary of the assessment will be forwarded to the GP, with any
recommendations for treatment and suggested follow-up in accordance with local
policies and guidelines.
Respiratory Specialist Nurse Service, WGH
November 2007