The Lung Function and Sleep department provides a broad range of diagnostic and treatments to adult patients affected by symptoms which may indicate a respiratory condition, with services covering breathing at rest, on exercise or during sleep. We perform approximately 28,000 procedures each year on both outpatient and inpatient adults, and we are one of the busiest departments in Europe. Our department is actively involved in the training of student clinical physiologists and scientists; therefore, a student may perform or observe your test under supervision (your consent will be obtained prior to the start of your test) or you may be asked to help with some research on the services we offer.

Clinics and specialties

We perform the following investigations:

• Lung function tests
• Exercise tests
• Oxygen assessments
• Sleep investigations

We also provide the following treatments and services:

• CPAP for obstructive sleep apnoea
• Home ventilation using Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV)
• Home oxygen treatment
• Nebuliser issue
• Advice on inhalers

Staff within Lung Function and Sleep

There are five main staff groups who work within the department.

Administrators

Administrators book appointments and deal with any queries.

Assistant respiratory physiologists

Assistant respiratory physiologists are trained within the department to national standards, and perform routine lung function tests.

Respiratory physiologists (including senior respiratory physiologists and chief physiologists)

Physiologists are professionally qualified to graduate/masters level and perform both routine and advanced lung function tests and sleep investigations, as well as carrying out many treatments.

Oxygen nurse specialists

Oxygen nurse specialists educate and assess inpatients and outpatients regarding their oxygen prescriptions, and conduct follow-up reviews as required.

Clinical scientists

Clinical scientists are professionally qualified to postgraduate level, and assess patients as well as being involved with other aspects of departmental work including treatments, research and service development.

Where to find us

Lung Function and Sleep is located within the main atrium of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB), in Area 3 (Outpatients Reception 3).

You can find more information about locating the hospital and the department via the links at the end of the page.