The Lung Function and Sleep Service is provided by a team of respiratory physiologists, practitioners and clinical staff.  We are predominately involved in diagnostic testing for respiratory diseases and obstructive sleep apnoea.  The department also provides oxygen assessments and treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea.
 

Tests we perform

• Spirometry and Flow Volume Loops to measure airflow through the airways.
• Full Lung Function Tests to measure airflow, capacity and efficiency of the lungs.
• Bronchodilator Reversibility Tests to assess the response to medications e.g. Salbutamol and/or Ipratropium Bromide.
• Long Term Oxygen Therapy Assessment to determine whether/how much supplementary oxygen is required to maintain acceptable blood gas levels.
• Fit to Fly Assessment to assess requirement for supplementary oxygen during flight.
• Respiratory Muscle Weakness Tests to determine the strength of the diaphragm and other muscles involved during breathing.
• Cardio-pulmonary Exercise Tests to investigate how your breathing, heart and lungs respond to exercise.
• Piko Tests to investigate occupational asthma.
• Overnight Sleep Studies involves wearing a monitor at home to investigate sleep related breathing disorders, specifically sleep apnoea.
• CPAP treatment involves wearing a mask at night to treat sleep related breathing disorders. Once established on treatment you will be followed up annually by this department.

          
 

 Patient Leaflets available for download

Patients attending the department may find the following leaflets useful (please click on the titles below to open).

Lung Function Tests
Sleep Apnoea Screening
Trial of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
Cardio-pulmonary Exercise Test
 

Find us

This service is run across both the Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General Hospitals.

At Gloucestershire Royal Hospital we are located within the Clinical Investigations unit on the ground floor.  From the main entrance follow the signs for 'Imaging 1 and Clinical Investigations'.  This will guide you along the corridor between the two shops, enter through the doors and turn left into waiting area B.  Located here is the intercom system, in order to inform the department of your arrival please press number 5 and wait for a response.

At Cheltenham General Hospital we are located between Hazelton Ward and Oakley Ward on Level 2.  From the main entrance off Sandford Road turn left and take the stairs up to Hazelton Ward and turn left through the door.  Alternatively a lift is also available situated a little further on from the stairs, go up one floor and follow the signs for 'Lung Function'.  On arrival please report to the reception signposted 'Lung Function Office'.

To view the hospital maps for both sites please click on the link below.
Hospital maps
 
Please leave adequate time for parking when visiting the hospital.
 

Contact details and opening times

Opening hours

Monday: 8am - 5pm
Tuesday: 8am - 5pm
Wednesday: 8am - 5pm
Thursday: 8am - 7pm
Friday: 8am - 3pm

Please be aware we are unable to offer a drop-in service, please ring the department to discuss your query first.

Telephone numbers

For the Lung Function and Sleep Service Department
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital: 08454 226 819
Cheltenham General Hospital: 08454 224 313
(An answerphone is available outside of opening hours and also during busy times when we are not available to answer the phone, if you leave a message we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible.)

For the Head of Service
Beverley Gray: 07699 721500

CPAP service
These are performed by the Medical Engineering departent however please contact us first as we will always try to coincide your CPAP service with your annual sleep clinic follow up appointment. If you are unsure of when your CPAP is due for a service please see the advice from Medical Engineering. 

CPAP faults
If you suspect a fault with your CPAP please contact us as soon as possible and we will endeavour to see you the same day.

Referral Guidelines

After you have been referred by your GP to see a hospital consultant, the consultant will then decide whether further tests are required. 

For referral for tests by the Lung Function and Sleep Service a purple request form will need to be completed and signed by the referring consultant. These request forms can be found on the inpatient wards and main outpatient departments.