Locals with breathing problems are to be provided with on-the-day diagnosis and treatment through a newly launched service at Solihull Hospital.

Minor procedures such as taking fluid off the lungs, having a scan, and breathing and blood tests will now be carried out by doctors and nurses in the medical day unit of the Hospital through the Respiratory Ambulatory Day Service (RADS), which will also be able to provide patients with inhalers and nebulisers.  Traditionally these would have been carried out during a separate hospital or GP appointment.

The range of treatments provided through the service reduces the number of appointments patients may need, speeding up the process of diagnosis and treatment and minimising the likelihood of a potential admission to hospital at a later date.

Solihull Hospital lung fibrosis clinical nurse specialist, Geraldine Burge, said: “RADS offers patients a one-stop visit where all tests are undertaken and reviewed on the same day, therefore enhancing patient care.”

 Sandy Walmsley, lead respiratory nurse specialist for Solihull Community Services, said: “A large proportion of patients are receiving diagnoses of a lung condition such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) for the first time when they attend the hospital with breathing difficulties.  RADS has potential to review and assess patients early in the Acute Medical Unit and offer first time treatment followed by immediate support in the community, thereby preventing an admission.”