Respiratory and Sleep Services at Flinders Medical Centre
The Respiratory Function Unit at Flinders Medical Centre is part of a southern network of respiratory and sleep services in metropolitan Adelaide.
We care for patients with all respiratory diseases and our services include the diagnosis and management of:
- asthma
- emphysema (COPD)
- lung cancer
- bronchiectasis
- interstitial lung diseases
- pulmonary hypertension
- sleep apnoea
- pneumonia and pleural disease
Southern Respiratory and Sleep Services also provide domiciliary oxygen. Referrals for home oxygen assessment would require clinical review.
Southern Respiratory and Sleep Services run an accredited Respiratory Function Laboratory, which measures lung function. Referrals for testing may be made directly from any medical practitioner.
A respiratory outreach nursing service assists people to manage their respiratory conditions.
Staff from the Southern Respiratory and Sleep Services are engaged in extensive teaching, research and community programs related to respiratory disease.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Referral Form (92KB)
Respiratory Function Laboratory
The Respiratory Laboratory at Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic tests including:
- Spirometry and respiratory resistance measurements before and after bronchodilator
- Lung diffusing capacity
- Total lung capacity
- Functional assessment by 6 minute walk distance
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- Bronchial provocation test (Mannitol only)
- Respiratory muscle strength
- Cardiopulmonary exercise testing
- Physiological shunt estimation
- Altitude simulation test
- Fraction of Nitric Oxide in Expired Gas (FeNO)
The respiratory laboratory at FMC is situated on level 2 directly opposite Medicine Clinics.
Patients should report to the Medicine Clinic desk on level 2 prior to their appointment.
There is also a Respiratory Laboratory at Noarlunga GP Plus, situated on level 1 in the GP Plus building.
Appointments require a referral by a medical practitioner and can be made by phoning the Respiratory Function Laboratory on: (08) 8204 7129.
Respiratory Function Testing
Respiratory Function Testing Information Sheet - Respiratory SALHN (PDF 63KB)
Respiratory Function Testing request form - Respiratory SALHN (PDF 84KB)
Respiratory Nursing Service
Specialist nurses include Respiratory Nurse Practitioner and Respiratory Education Nurse from the Flinders Medical Centre Respiratory Unit. These staff provide nursing care for patients and support to carers and families of people who suffer respiratory problems.
Services include:
- assessment of patients with chronic lung diseases (especially COPD and asthma)
- education, monitoring and optimising nursing treatment plans for inpatients
- outpatient clinic appointments
- review and monitor patients with home oxygen
Hotline
A telephone hotline is available to FMC clients to help prevent unnecessary admission to hospital. The respiratory nurse will liaise with the general practitioner involved.
Telephone: (08) 8204 5511, ask for pager 38959
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.00pm
Outpatient Appointments
You can make an appointment to see the respiratory nurse as an outpatient. This may be useful if you have questions about your medication, equipment, home oxygen, or your disease and the way it affects your life.
Contact details
Head of Respiratory and Sleep Services - Jeff Bowden
Telephone: (08) 8204 4033
Fax: (08) 8204 5632
Respiratory Function Unit
Telephone: (08) 8204 7129 (bookings)
Fax: (08) 8204 8972
Respiratory and Sleep Services Administration
Telephone: (08) 8204 4033
Laboratory Manager - David Schembri
Telephone: (08) 8275 7129
Respiratory Nurse Practitioner - Sally Anesbury
Telephone: (08) 8204 5511, ask for pager 38239
Nurse Practitioner Candidate - Amanda Whinnen
Telephone: (08) 8204 5511, ask for pager 38959
Asthma Education Nurse
Telephone: (08) 8204 5511, ask for pager 48177