Click to view Emergency Department (A&E) waiting times
77 People
Number of people in A&E department
2:07 Hours
Average wait to be seen by a clinician
3:10 Hours
Average time in the department

Respiratory

The Respiratory Department primarily focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of chest-related diseases and illnesses.

The most commonly encountered conditions include asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as lung cancer, tuberculosis (TB), and the investigation of symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath.

In addition, we provide specialized care for patients with sleep-related breathing disorders, such as sleep apnoea.

Our department is equipped with a pulmonary function lab that offers a variety of breathing tests, which can aid in the diagnostic process and help determine the appropriate course of treatment for our patients.

Clinics and Services

All clinics run from Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm. All patients are seen by appoint only. 

BCG and Tuberculosis Clinic

The Royal Berkshire TB Service provides an outpatient service dedicated to individuals who are suspected or have been diagnosed with latent or active tuberculosis (TB).

Our expertise lies in providing holistic support to all patients with active or latent TB, including those with complex medical needs and children (in collaboration with paediatricians). We offer various modes of support, including face-to-face appointments, telephone consultations, and home visits when appropriate, for the duration of treatment.

Our team of TB nurses also provides assistance and support to individuals diagnosed with TB while they are hospitalised.

We offer TB screening services for individuals who have had close contact with someone diagnosed with TB or those who are concerned about potential exposure to the bacteria.

We are available to provide advice and information to the general public, healthcare professionals, and general practitioners (GPs) regarding TB-related matters.

The BCG vaccination is only administered to individuals who meet specific criteria outlined in NICE guidelines and the Green Book.

Please note that we do not offer TB screening for travel, visas, or immigration purposes.

Outpatient Respiratory Physiotherapy Service

Our team of specialised Respiratory Physiotherapists is committed to providing comprehensive care for patients with a wide range of respiratory conditions.

These dedicated professionals are primarily located at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, and they also hold clinics at West Berkshire Community Hospital, Bracknell Healthspace, and Townlands Hospital to ensure convenient access for patients.

Referrals to our Respiratory Physiotherapists are accepted from hospital specialists as well as general practitioners (GPs). These referrals can be for both clinic appointments and specialised Pulmonary Rehabilitation courses, which are tailored programmes designed to optimise respiratory function and improve the overall well-being of individuals with respiratory conditions.

Sleep Unit

The Respiratory Sleep Unit conducts diagnostic sleep studies and provides follow-up care for patients who are suspected to have sleep apnoea. Our specialised team is experienced in assessing sleep-related breathing disorders and offers comprehensive evaluation and monitoring during sleep studies.

Additionally, our team assists patients in the initiation, follow-up, and troubleshooting of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatments. We provide guidance and support to ensure proper usage and optimal outcomes for patients using these therapeutic interventions.

We accept referrals from general practitioners (GPs) and other hospital consultants for patients who are experiencing suspected sleep-related issues.

Our consultant sleep clinics are scheduled on Thursday mornings at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. During these clinics, our expert sleep specialists evaluate patients, assess their symptoms, and provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment recommendations tailored to their specific sleep concerns.