Several of you attended the CRT Launch on the 22 May and there was very positive feedback.

The service is available over seven days, 9am-5pm.  There are now 364 patients under CRT and activity is increasing steadily.

The COPD Bundle has been a success with 84.2% of patients having been seen by CRT during their stay in hospital (and subsequently referred to smoking cessation and/or Pulmonary Rehabilitation). We have also started Early Supported Discharges with an aim to reduce the length of hospital stay and provide support for patients and carers in the community;

CRT is also overseeing the Oxygen register and providing oxygen assessment clinics in Croydon University Hospital, Parkway and Purley Hospital. The team will also visit housebound patients for their annual oxygen reviews.  Remember, oxygen is for hypoxia not breathlessness;

The End of Life talk also stirred some interest, with attendees requesting more information. If any of the practices would like to invite CRT to a practice meeting, please contact us.

However, our most exciting initiative is the opening of the COPD Hot Clinic.   The Hot Clinic is open Monday- Friday from 10am-5pm and is for patients who are threatening admission to hospital with COPD;

Patients already known to CRT, can self-refer usually through a member of the CRT, otherwise referrals will be through the patient’s GP (please see referral form with criteria here).   Patients will be reviewed by a Specialist Respiratory Practitioner (nurse or physiotherapist) and investigations such as CXR, bloods and capillary blood gases taken as necessary. There are respiratory physicians available for any complicated cases that need further review.  The decision to admit or discharge patients home will be made and the patient’s GP would be informed usually within 24 hours (via fax). Please call the Hot Clinic on 020 8401 3963 if you have any queries.

As a relatively new team, we are always seeking ways to improve communication, so again, please let me have any suggestions/feedback on how we can achieve this. If you would like us to talk to groups of GPs during any cluster or practice meetings or if you have any questions re any of the above, please email Nikki Davies.  

Contact details

Nikki Davies CRT Clinical Manager & Specialist Respiratory Nurse

Email Nikki.davies@croydonhealth.nhs.uk or

telephone switchboard on 020 8401 3000 and ask for bleep: 714

Hot Clinic contact telephone number 020 8401 3963

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The CRT service have learnt today that they have won an award for the best service at the annual study day.  To see their presentation please click here