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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD is a major cause of ill health in the UK, affecting at least 900,000 people. 

COPD is an umbrella term that covers many specific respiratory conditions, including:

  • chronic bronchitis

  • emphysema

  • alpha one antitrypsin deficiency

We offer a world-class, multidisciplinary service to patients suffering with COPD. This includes patients in the local community and across the UK.

Within the Trust, we have expertise in:

  • non-invasive ventilation (NIV)

  • interventional bronchoscopy

  • surgical intervention

  • systemic manifestations of COPD

  • epidemiology of COPD

  • basic disease mechanisms of COPD. 

COPD rapid access clinic

The COPD rapid access clinic is available for local patients who need specialist hospital input about their treatment. Appointments for this clinic have to be directly booked via the 'Choose and Book' system. Dr Nicholas Hopkinson and Dr Omar Usmani lead this clinic, with support from specialist COPD physiotherapist, Victoria Lord.

The clinic emphasises self-management strategies including inhaler technique and recognising exacerbations.

Pulmonary rehabilitation

Royal Brompton Hospital

We have a twice-weekly pulmonary rehabilitation that takes place at Royal Brompton Hospital. You can find the physiotherapy gym on the second floor of South Block, on Fulham Road.

Find out more information about how to get to Royal Brompton Hospital.

Harefield Hospital

We have daily pulmonary rehabilitation clinics at Harefield Hospital. This is the largest single-site pulmonary rehabilitation programme in the UK, with more than 1,000 referrals each year. We have several community clinics held in the surrounding area for local communities.

Find out more information about how to get to Harefield Hospital.

You can find out more about support groups for people with COPD by clicking on the 'Information' tab.

Domiciliary ventilation

At Royal Brompton Hospital, we pioneered the use of non-invasive ventilation in adults and children with nocturnal hypoventilation, and have over 1,600 adults and children using small portable...

Pulmonary rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation aims to help you cope with your breathlessness and to feel stronger and fitter at the same time.

Breathe Easy support group

If you are living with lung disease, it is really important to make friends with others who are going through something similar. Breathe Easy gives you the opportunity to do just that. The group involves informal and friendly discussions in a supportive atmosphere. It is for local residents and their carers who are living with chronic lung conditions.

Singing for Breathing workshops

Singing for Breathing is a programme for patients to use singing as a way to learn about breathing techniques whilst having fun! It aims to enhance existing physiotherapeutic support for those with chronic respiratory conditions.

We currently have three groups who meet at both Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals during the week. These groups are open to all respiratory patients at the Trust.

Find out more information about Singing for Breathing.

Meet the team

Clinical lead

Chest physicians

Radiologist

  • Dr Dennis Carr

Thoracic surgeon

COPD specialist physiotherapist

  • Bhavin Mehta (bleep 1050)

Administrator

Tel: 020 7349 7775

Fax: 020 7349 7778

Download the COPD referral form (PDF, 193KB)

Referral letters

Letters to be addressed to

Dr Man or Dr Natanek,
Department of Respiratory Medicine
Harefield Hospital
Hill End Road
Harefield
Middlesex
UB9 6JH

Letters can be faxed (safe haven) to 01895 828851

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