Supporting Respiratory Care
We support the delivery of high-quality respiratory care throughout the UK by highlighting innovative models of care and good practice, sharing experiences, and providing opportunities to debate and learn.
Find links to information related to the delivery of care below.
Getting It Right the First Time (GIRFT)
Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) is an NHS improvement programme. Dr Martin Allen is the respiratory workstream lead for the GIRFT programme.
Respiratory Support Units (RSU)
The British Thoracic Society and Intensive Care Society have worked together to produce a guidance document outlining the standards of care and infrastructure for RSUs.
Read more about Respiratory Support Units
Specialised Weaning Units (SWUs)
SWUs are designed to enable an effective step down from critical care for patients who continue to require invasive mechanical ventilation following prolonged admission.
Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) Virtual Wards
Virtual wards are seen as one practical solution to help the NHS cope with its current shortage of beds. Alongside frailty, virtual wards dedicated to looking after people with acute respiratory infection (ARI) are being widely developed in England.
7-day services
We support the development of 7-day services for respiratory patients, provided these are appropriately resourced.
To prevent a negative impact on the medical workforce, these new service developments must be properly planned and not imposed on existing working patterns. It is especially important that key support services and related professions are also fully involved.
Read more about 7 day services
Coding and Tariffs
Accurate coding is vital for ensuring respiratory services receive appropriate resources, and clinicians should engage with coding to enhance their practice.
Read about coding respiratory care
Listen to our podcast on coding on Respiratory Futures
Optimal Sleep Pathway
Sleep medicine services across the UK are experiencing significant challenges with rising referrals, a significant backlog and workforce shortages. The Optimal Sleep Pathway, published by the British Sleep Society, provides helpful guidance on how to improve sleep services, regardless of what level of development the services are currently in.
Access the Optimal Sleep Pathway
Read resources and stories associated with the delivery of care on our Respiratory Futures website.