Category: Respiratory

January 1, 2025

2WW – Suspected Cancer

Some patients present to ED with symptoms or investigations suspicious an undiagnosed cancer, but don’t require emergency admission. To reduce the barriers to care the trust has implemented a referral route for ED.

Emergency Department MDT referral request – HERE

Once completed the PPC team will review the request and feed them into either “Fast-Track Clinics” if further workup required or MDT’s if fits those pathways.

This should allow our patients quick access to appropriate clinics, without the inherent delays and wasted clinical time of asking the patient to attend their GP. BMA/NHSe

October 30, 2023

Pneumothorax – BTS 2023

To drain or not to drain? – that is the question (Follow the BTS algorithm).This is not for Tension!

(All treatment options should be discussed with the patient to determine their main priority, with consideration for the least invasive option)

September 16, 2023

Asthma – Adult

Severity – Severe or Life threatening – think RESUS
Treatment within 30 min – bronchodilators and steroids should bee given within 30min
1hrs Observation after Neb – better after a neb don’t just send home they may deteriorate when it wears off.
PEFR – must be >75% expected prior to discharge (at least 1hr after treatment finished)
Discharge advice sheet – can print off from this guide, remember to check inhaler technique and consider a spacer

November 12, 2022

Avian Flu – 2022

Avian flu is droplet spread and can sometimes effect humans as well as birds. Severity varies in human cases varies widely from mild to severe and deaths have been reported.

Case Definition = Clinical Criteria + Exposure Criteria

June 28, 2022

Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP)/ Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)

AFP/AFM is rare rare but serious neurological condition, which is associated with POLIO infection but has also been linked with other infections (and in the USA they have spikes every 2 yrs last 2020). AFP leads to weakness and paralysis affecting face and limbs but also the respiratory muscles and may lead to respiratory failure.

January 14, 2022

Covid-19: Oximetry @home pathway

In 2022 we can now refer Covid-19 patients who are being discharged into the “Oximetry @home” pathway.

CHFT staff need to complete the attached referral form and email it to the LCD email address on the form. LCD will then make contact with the patient within 24 hours and onboard them (as it’s an 8am-6pm service).

January 6, 2022

Chest Trauma – WYMTN

Chest injury as part of major trauma, can range from painful to life threatening so prompt treatment and recognition is vital. Esp. in ‘Silver Trauma’ when ‘minor’ injuries may have devastating consequences – the full guidance can be found @WYMTN – HERE

December 24, 2021

Covid-19 Trust Isolation (Dec 2021)

The trust isolation policies have been updated inline with national guidance.

Scenario 1 – Staff member Symptomatic
Scenario 2 – Staff member asymptomatic, with a positive contact (inc. within household)

December 14, 2021

Anaphylaxis 2021

Not all Allergies are Anaphylaxis!

Anaphylaxis is defined as:

Severe life-threatening systemic hypersensitivity reaction
Where BOTH of the following criteria are met:
1. Sudden onset & rapid progression
2. Life-threatening compromise of ONE or MORE of: Airway/Breathing/Circulation

July 20, 2021

Legionnaires Disease

There has been a resent increase in cases of Legionnaires Disease in the North West. So remember to request Urine Legionella Antigen test, if you have suspicions.