‘I have been a respiratory physiologist at Derriford Hospital’s Chest Clinic for over 10 years now. I am able perform a variety of diagnostic tests related to breathing and sleep-disordered breathing.
I also provide advice and support to patients that need it and I have worked closely with John Palmer’s ventilation team who provide excellent care and treatment to those with damaged lungs or poor sleep quality. Patient care is the forefront of my job and it is very rewarding when we are able to a smile on a patient’s face and make them feel better about themselves and life in general. I plan on doin what I do for many more years to come’. Mike T.
‘I got into Respiratory 6 years ago, after leaving university and going straight into primary care. I had multiple placements on respiratory wards and found it interesting and surprisingly not scary.
I have worked with a vast number of patients that suffer under the umbrella term COPD along with Asthma. I do not just look at the symptoms, I will go in depth and do a holistic review ensuring I have not missed anything. I enjoy knowing I have made a difference, even if it is a slight difference to someone ability to breath or activities of daily life. I try to make things as simple as possible for patients with less inhaler devices if it is possible, if not we try a different way – much to some patient’s annoyance that I will not give up trying to help. Being able to breath and function for daily life is vital, I try to ensure patients are kept up to date with all test results and I will follow up with patients when ever they need me to do so.
I am an advocate for my patients. I will signpost them to local services, provide them with breathing exercises or devices. Most importantly I will speak with them in depth so that they understand exactly what Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma is, this is so important, I try to avoid medical jargon as this can confuse myself let alone patients. By patient understanding their diagnosis, we can help provide a basis for them to understand why the medication prescribed is important, to try and reduce exacerbations (infections) and hospitalisation. Respiratory conditions can be managed at every stage of deterioration with support from multiple service, patients, and their family/friends/care givers.
We are all in it together to make the life for the patient better/ manageable.’ Abi R