Outpatients

You will wait no longer than 13 weeks for your first appointment, however the average waiting times for a new referral is six to eight weeks.

On arrival at the clinic you will need to report to the reception desk where the receptionist will check all the information we hold for you is correct. This includes your address, GP, contact details and ethnic group. You will then be measured and weighed and asked to provide a sample of urine. Most patients will have had a recent chest x-ray at the Whittington; if not, please come half an hour before your appointment time so that one can be taken before you see the doctor.

During your consultation with the doctor you will be asked to do some simple breathing tests and a small clip will be put on your finger to measure the oxygen level in your blood. You will be asked to undress, in a separate examination room, so that your chest can be examined. Chaperones are not routinely provided, but if you would like one we can easily arrange for a nurse to be present. The doctor may require some blood samples and, if so, these will be taken by staff in the clinic. You may also be asked to give samples of your sputum, if so the clinic staff will give you some containers and explain what to do.

Our clinic staff are there to help, so please ask them if you have any questions.

Click here for information on how to book an interpreter for your visit

Please bring to the clinic

Any medicines you are taking (in their containers) or a detailed list, eg your repeat prescription.
All the inhalers you have.
Any letter from your doctor, if appropriate.

Clinics are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. You will be seen by a consultant, a specialist registrar or one of the respiratory nurse specialists.

Clinic times

Monday am

Dr Restrick (consultant)

Dr Branley (consultant)

Specialist registrar

Claire Ward (specialist respiratory nurse)

Monday pm

Dr Stern (consultant)

Specialist registrar

Siobhan Kennedy (specialist respiratory nurse)

Wednesday pm

Dr Johnson (consultant)

Dr Branley (consultant)

Dr Marshall (clinical assistant)

Specialist TB nurses

Thursday pm

Dr Lock (consultant)

Dr Stern (consultant)

Specialist registrar

Claire Ward (specialist respiratory nurse)

Friday am

Dr Johnson (consultant)

Dr Mills (clinical assistant)

Specialist registrar

Claire Ward (specialist respiratory nurse)

Specialist TB nurses

If you need to change your appointment please telephone 020 7288 5511/5512.

As well as seeing the doctor, you may see other members of the team

The respiratory physiologist (Cathy Hammond) who carries out the breathing tests in the lung function laboratory (in the clinic) and runs the sleep study and treatment service.
The respiratory nurse specialists (Claire Ward or Siobhan Kennedy) who provide education and advice about your condition and medication, including inhalers, nebulisers and oxygen.
The TB nurse specialist (Molly Mamdani and Mary McDaid) who runs a screening clinic for TB (tuberculosis) and provides advice and support to patients and their families.

Other professionals who may be involved in your care:

Physiotherapists – Your doctor may refer you to the physiotherapy department for further treatment including pulmonary rehabilitation.
Psychologists - Your doctor may refer you to see a psychologist who can help you to live with a long-term illness.
Lung cancer nurse specialist - Your doctor may refer you to see the lung cancer nurse who can give advice and support to you and your family.
Dietician – Your doctor may refer you to a dietician to help optimise your weight. Being overweight can contribute to breathlessness and may cause obstructive sleep apnoea; being underweight may cause additional problems for patients with COPD or other chronic respiratory diseases, or following respiratory infections.

return to top