Opening of new lung function unit

A new unit at Addenbrooke's is to be officially opened.

The lung function unit has moved to a refurbished clinical area offering an improved space for patients. The unit deals with patients with conditions such as asthma and emphysema, among others, and tests the condition of their lungs.

The new unit offers individual rooms for consultations and tests - an improvement on the previous area which was open plan.

Dr Karl Sylvester, chief respiratory physiologist, said: “The unit carries out a variety of tests to measure a patient's lung volume, gas exchange and speed of the air coming in and out. Patients are referred to the unit from departments across the hospital."

The unit, based near outpatients, features five clinical physiologists.

Lorraine Ellis, 40, from Chesterton, has been a patient for six years. She said: “This is so much better than the old unit. It used to be all in one room and it felt a little cramped. Now there's privacy and it feels a lot more relaxed. The staff are nice people and very friendly."

On Thursday, September 25, the unit will be officially opened by Professor Sue Hill from the Department of Health. The event takes place at 3.30pm in the outpatients seminar room.