Adult Respiratory Team

The Adult Respiratory Team (ART) is an integrated community specialist respiratory service for people with chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD, Bronchiectasis, Chronic Cough and Neuromuscular Conditions.

About Us

The Adult Respiratory Team (ART) is an integrated community specialist respiratory service for people who are registered with a Southern Derbyshire or Erewash CCG GP. The team consists of Respiratory Nurse Specialists and Respiratory Physiotherapist Specialists to provide support for people with a wide range of chronic respiratory conditions. This service is provided at clinic’s across Southern Derbyshire and Erewash or Home visits if you are unable to attend clinic, please see Clinic Locations for more details.

The Adult Respiratory Team (ART) works closely with Hospital Respiratory Consultants, GP’s and other Health Care Professionals i.e. Community Matrons, District Nurses etc. This enables us to:

“Deliver expert care and support to patients with chronic respiratory disease and their carers to promote independence through self-management in order to achieve an improved quality of life. This will be achieved by the provision of a fully integrated service that has a multi-disciplinary team focus which will deliver clinically safe and cost effective patient outcomes.”

Contact us / Rate our service:

Adult Respiratory Team,
Coleman Health Centre,
Coleman Street,
Derby.
DE24 8NH

Phone: (01332) 861189 - option 1
E-Mail: DHFT.ARTeam@nhs.net

Working hours Monday to Friday 08.30 – 16.30 (Excluding Weekends and Bank holidays)

Have a question?

We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our service. If you have any questions please complete the form below and we will respond as soon as possible.

Respiratory Physiotherapists Specialists

The Physiotherapists treat people with a range of respiratory conditions in the community such as:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Bronchiectasis
Chronic Cough
Hyperventilation Syndrome (HVS) / Dysfunctional breathing patterns
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
Neuromuscular conditions, with respiratory complications.

People with the above conditions are offered a range of treatments appropriate for their condition(s) as well as ensuring their medical management is optimal.

This may include education regarding their respiratory condition and advice regarding infection management strategies.
Patients are also provided with a range of sputum clearance techniques including Active Cycle Breathing Technique (ACBT)/Autogenic Drainage (AD), Oscillatory Peak Expiratory Pressure (PEP), PEP, Lung Volume Recruitment Bag (LVRB), Cough assist and cough strength assessment.
Patients have a basic Psychological assessment and Smoking Cessation advice is given before being signposted to appropriate therapies as required.
Advice and techniques for breathlessness management
Advice and management of excessive saliva for people with Neuromuscular conditions.
Assessment and referral to Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Respiratory Nurse Specialists

The Respiratory Nurses Specialists are based both at the main site (Coleman Health Centre, Harvey Road, Derby) and at the Royal Derby Hospital and treat people with COPD.

People that have been admitted to hospital with an exacerbation of their COPD will be assessed whilst in hospital for the Supported Discharge Scheme. This scheme is for people who have had an uncomplicated exacerbation of their COPD. People who are suitable for Supported Discharge will be contacted by the team 1,3,5 or 10 working days following hospital discharge to monitor their recovery this time frame is agreed between the clinician and patient.

The Respiratory Nurse Specialists based at the main site educate and support people’s knowledge and understanding of their respiratory condition and offer a range of services:

COPD Management
Diagnostic Spirometry
Optimising inhaler technique
Optimise medication
Nebuliser assessments
Assessment and referral to Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Psychological assessment
Smoking Cessation advice is given before being signposted to appropriate therapies as required.
People under the care of the Adult Respiratory Team can also be referred for Respiratory Consultant assessment if required.

Do I need Antibiotics?

If you have an increased cough with an increase in sputum production, which is thicker and is more discoloured for more than 24 hours.

Do I need steroids ?

If you have an increase in a wheeze or an increase in breathlessness when doing your normal activities and at rest. Increase the use of your reliever (blue inhaler) and start steroids if there is no improvement after 24 hours.

How often can I use my Blue inhaler - Salbutamol / Ventolin?

Generally should be 2 puffs up to 4 times daily (depending on how this has been prescribed for you individually), however if you are more breathless and also have additional symptoms of an exacerbation, this can be increased to 4 puffs up to 4 times for 24 hours. If no improvement after 24 hours, you may need to start a course of steroids / see your GP.

What is Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is an exercise training and education programme for people with chronic breathing problems. It includes an individualised exercise programme and runs over approximately six weeks with two sessions per week, each lasting approximately two hours. The exercise programme helps with breathlessness by improving your muscle strength and lung fitness. This makes it easier for you to carry out everyday activities.

Is there transport available to help me attend clinic appointments?

Yes, transport is available if you are attending London Road Community Hospital, Ripley Hospital, St Oswalds Hospital and Ilkeston Community Hospital. Transport can be arranged by contacting your GP surgery.

Can I have a nebuliser to use at home long term?

Many patients who are admitted to hospital with an acute exacerbation of their COPD will receive nebulised therapy because it is easier and quicker to administer, and achieve a quicker effect due to drug deposition. However, patients should always undergo a formal assessment by a respiratory specialist for the use of a long term nebuliser and should have always maximised their inhaled medication first. An assessment is essential because of the risk of excessive nebuliser usage, which is significant because of the increased side effects.