Your first chest appointment You have been referred to the Chest ...

Your first chest appointmentYou have been referred to the Chest clinicat Homerton University Hospital. Thepurpose of the clinic is to provide anassessment to patients in whom chestproblem is suspected. It is important toattend the clinic so that the checks andsome tests can be carried out to find outmore about the chest problems you arehaving.You may be at the clinic for up to threehours.This may feel like a long time, but thismeans that all tests which you may need tohave done can be booked during thisappointment.Sometimes coming to the clinic can bedifficult and worrying. You can bring afriend or relative for support.If you need help with transport to get to thisappointment, contact the AppointmentsBureau at the hospital or your GP, who willbe able to help you.What tests could I have?You may have several tests during theconsultation, including a chest x-ray, bloodtests, and lung-function tests.Blood testsA blood sample is taken to check whetheryour blood levels are normal.CT scanYou may receive a letter to get your CTscan done prior to your chest clinicappointment. More information about theCT Scan is available on our CT Scan factsheet.Lung-function testsThese are simple, blowing tests to checkhow well your lungs are working. Theymeasure how much air you take into yourlungs with a deep breath and how quicklyyou can breathe the air out. This can takeup to 45 minutes to complete.Other TestsSometimes you will need other special tests.Your doctor will explain this to you at your firstclinic appointment.Who will be looking after me?The clinic has a team that specializes inchest problems.The Clinic is led by a Consultant and is runby doctors experienced in chest problems.There is also a Lung Clinical NurseSpecialist who offer further information,support and answer to any can questionthat you may have.Sometimes, there are medical studentswho learn by watching what happens at theclinic. If you are not happy about studentsbeing involved, please tell one of thenurses.

Your appointment at the ChestAssessment Clinic is:On: …………………………..At: ……………………………For any reason you are unable to attendthis appointment or need to change yourappointment time, even at a short notice,please inform us by telephoning thehospital Appointment Line. This is veryimportant because we could give thisappointment to another person.Please arrive early for your appointment, asyou may have to have some tests beforeyou see the doctor.Please bring all your medications you aretaking with you.If you have difficulty understanding English,please inform us and we may be able tobook an advocate for you.Useful Contact DetailsHOMERTON UNIVERSITY HOSPITALNHS Foundation TrustAppointments Bureau020 8510 5099(Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm)Johannah TeoLung Clinical Nurse SpecialistPhone: 020 8510 7819Bleep 018Secretary to Dr. BhowmikPhone: 020 8510 5190Secretary to Dr. BothamleyPhone: 020 8510 7814Secretary to Dr. RajakulasingamPhone: 020 8510 7769Lung/Palliative Care TeamMay 2006Attending the Chest ClinicPatient InformationHomerton Row, London, E9 6SRTel: 020 8510 5555Fax: 020 510 7608www.homerton.nhs.uk