AIRS Contact Number:

01908 272704

AIRS Contact Email:

Respiratory.airs-anp@nhs.net 

Appointments:

8am – 5pm Monday – Thursday

Phone Opening Hours: 

8.30am - 4.30pm (answerphone available out of hours)

• Vicky Kettle – Community Services Manager
• Dr Milan Bhattacharya - Respiratory Consultant
• Dr Andy Potter - GP with special interest in Cardiology
• Ruth Thomas - Lead Respiratory Nurse
• Vicki Wilson - Lead Oxygen Nurse 
• Helen Howe - Respiratory Nurse
• Jennie Harmsworth - Respiratory Physiotherapist
• Sarah Francis - Community Administrator

Our Service 

Whaddon Healthcare works in partnership with the Community Intermediate Respiratory Service to ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care. Patients are referred into this service by their usual GP.

Our team of clinicians provide an assessment and diagnostic service and recommend treatments to GPs for all of Milton Keynes.  This includes working together to agree on care pathways, manage capacity for appointments and waiting times.

Our Aim

To improve the quality of life and functional ability of people with chronic respiratory conditions, such as COPD and asthma by helping people helping patients manage their condition, preventing acute attacks, reducing hospital admissions, and improving overall health.  

What We Do

AIRS clinic provides specialist assessment and for patients over 16 years old with airway problems, such as asthma, bronchiectasis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); or diagnostic tests for those struggling with unexplained cough, breathlessness, tight chest or wheeze.

The service is delivered by specialist respiratory nurses, a GP with special interest in cardiology, and respiratory consultant and we offer a variety of appointments Monday - Thursdays for those referred in by their GP surgery across Milton Keynes.

The hospital team may also refer to AIRS following an admission with asthma or COPD patients. Housebound patients can be seen at home.

Assessments 

A full history is taken, and investigations may include spirometry, blood tests, chest X-ray, barium swallow, and HRCT.

HRCT: High-Resolution Computed Tomography Scan

This scan is typically of the lungs, used to visualise small structures and subtle disease changes.

What to expect during a HRCT scan:

• Procedure: You will lie on a table that slides into a ring-shaped scanning machine. 
• Positioning: You may be positioned on your back or stomach (prone) for the scan. 
• Breathing Instructions: You will be asked to breathe in, breathe out, and hold your breath at certain points during the scan to ensure clear images. 
• Duration: The scan involves the table and scanner moving while pictures are taken, and you will be instructed to hold your breath at key moments.

PFT: Pulmonary Function Test

A full lung function test is a series of breathing tests that provide detailed information about your lungs' capacity and efficiency. It typically includes:

• Spirometry: You'll breathe into a mouthpiece, first normally, then taking a big deep breath and blowing out as hard and fast as possible.
• Gas transfer: You'll breathe out completely, take a deep breath in, and hold your breath for about 10 seconds to measure how well oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.
• Static lung volumes: You'll breathe normally, then take a deep breath in and breathe out gently, to measure the total volume of air your lungs can hold.

Barium Swallow Test:

An X-ray examination of the oesophagus and stomach to help diagnose problems with swallowing, pain, or indigestion. 

Barium is a white, chalky liquid that coats the lining of the oesophagus and stomach, making them visible on X-rays.

Often, a substance is also added to the barium to produce gas in the stomach, providing a clearer image of the stomach lining.

What to Expect at a Barium Swallow Test:

• Before the test: You may need to change into a hospital gown.
• During the test: A radiographer will ask you to stand or lie on an examination table and drink barium liquid. You will be asked to move into different positions so the radiologist can take X-ray images.
• After the test: You can eat and drink normally, but it's recommended to drink plenty of fluids to help the barium pass through your system. Your bowel movements may be paler for a few days, which is normal.

Bronchoscopy:

A procedure where a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera (a bronchoscope) to examine your airways and lungs.

• Food and drink: You will be advised to eat or drink nothing for at least 6 hours before the procedure.
• Medications: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially blood thinners, which may need to be stopped before the test.
• Arrangements: You must arrange for someone to take you home after the procedure, as you will not be able to drive or travel alone on public transport. You should not be alone overnight.

For more information on Pulmonary Rehabilitation, please click here to be taken to the NHS England website.