New state-of-the-art respiratory suite means broader range of tests for patients
Dr John Millar unveils a plaque outside the new respiratory function suite at Poole Hospital.
A new respiratory function suite was officially opened this week at Poole Hospital, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for the assessment of patients suffering from conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis.
The new suite will make it more convenient for patients to receive tests within a specialised environment, and also means the Hospital can offer a range of assessments previously unavailable at Poole.
These include oxygen assessment with ear lobe monitoring, which is a less invasive means of monitoring blood gas, plus respiratory muscle function testing, skin prick allergy testing and a screening service for obstructive sleep apnoea.
Poole Hospital has recently secured funding from Poole & Bournemouth Teaching Primary Care Trust to continue and expand its cystic fibrosis service, and this will also be supported by relevant tests within the new suite.
The enhanced service for respiratory patients has been supported by increased staffing within the department, including the appointment of new specialist respiratory technicians and a third respiratory consultant.
The new suite was officially opened by Dr John Millar, a former Consultant Respiratory Physician who treated patients at Poole Hospital for 26 years before his retirement last year.
Dr Simon Crowther, Respiratory Consultant at Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted with the new facilities in the suite. This service should make a real difference to both the diagnosis and treatment of our patients with respiratory-related diseases in Poole.”
Date: 23 September 2008