A-Z of Services

Respiratory Team

  • The Croydon Respiratory Team (CRT) aims to improve outcomes for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients in Croydon. It consists of a multi-disciplinary team of nurses, physiotherapists, health care assistants, administrators and Doctors working in a variety of ways to achieve this aim. CRT is also able to provide home visits for patients who are housebound.

  • Base: The main service is at Croydon University Hospital and there are Croydon Respiratory Team services at other Trust sites.
  • Address: Croydon University Hospital 530 London Road, Croydon, CR7 7YE
  • Reception phone number: 020 8401 3963

COPD Admission avoidance

CRT help patients with COPD avoid admissions / readmission in a variety of ways:

Before admission

Patients at risk of admission to hospital due to their COPD can be referred to CRT for rapid review and to attempt admission prevention (via generic referral form emailed to ch-tr.crt@nhs.net). Patients will be triaged over the telephone and arranged a home visit (if suitable) with a CRT clinician ASAP (often the same day.)  Patients are followed up to ensure advice / treatment has been effective.

During and after admission

During admission, CRT:

  • Reviews patients identified in ED (9am – 5pm, Mon – Sat) in order to try to prevent admission. Rapid CRT follow up in the community can be organised to ensure patient is managing well.
  • Reviews ALL patients admitted with COPD and completes a COPD discharge bundle (optimising disease management)
  • Contacts all patients discharged after an admission with COPD within 72 hours
  • Provides face-to-face follow up for all patients discharged after an admission with COPD (unless there is a significant risk identified.) This may be with a clinician or support worker and may be in clinic or at home depending on the patient’s clinical need and risk profile.