Patients and Visitors

The Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust

Patient quote

"Karen Heslop is a specialist in chest problems and what might happen to you later and she has just been such a wonderful help to me and my daughter. To think this wonderful help is only here, we are so lucky with our Newcastle medical care". Mrs DD

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Useful websites

Jargon buster

cilia

Fine hairlike organs on the surface of some cells, particularly the cells lining the upper respiratory tract (lungs and airway).

View the full jargon buster

Cardiothoracic Services (Heart and Lung)

Cardiothoracic Services (Heart and Lung)

Bronchiectasis Service

Contact: (0191) 213 7468 - Dr A De Soyza, Consultant Respiratory Physician

This specialist service involves the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of the lung condition, Bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis is caused by an abnormal widening of one or more airways in the lungs, and can occur for a number of reasons. Problems are caused when extra mucus develops in the abnormal airways, making them prone to infection.

Bronchiectasis in the lungs

Early diagnosis and treatment of bronchiectasis is extremely important, if the condition is not to become debilitating.

We carry out a wide range of tests to allow us to see where, and to what extent, your lungs may be affected by the condition. These tests include:

x-rays
high resolution CT scanning
detailed lung function tests
immune system testing
microbiological assessment
gene testing for Cystic Fibrosis
ciliary testing - specialised tests to see if the fine hairs (called cilia) lining your lungs are working normally

Specialist care with a personal touch

Our physiotherapy staff will also show you how to move mucus or phlegm from your chest to help you breathe more easily. Click here for more information

In many cases patients will need intravenous antibiotic treatment for the infections in their lungs. We offer inpatient care and treatment on Ward 29 at the Freeman Hospital, where our specialist nurses can help you to recover as quickly as possible. There are a variety of ways to make the administration of antibiotics simpler and less disruptive to your daily life, including:

A “hospital at home” service for selected patients. Our ward staff will teach you how to administer your intravenous antibiotics when you are in hospital, so that you can then continue your treatment in the comfort and convenience of your own home. See the 'Guide to safe preparation and administration of intravenous antibiotics at home' document below for more information.
A special indwelling IV device is suitable for some patients. The following link provides more information Port a Cath.

Some antibiotics can be administered using a nebuliser (inhaler) which can also help reduce the number of bronchiectasis flare ups you experience. Should you require this treatment a nebuliser and training on how to use it will be given.

You can be referred to any of our consultants who specialise in chest conditions, although Dr De Soyza, Consultant Respiratory Physician has a specialist interest in this area. His bronchiectasis clinic is held weekly on Wednesday afternoon.

Patient information guide - intravenous antibiotics at home - 729.06kb PDF