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Specialist Community Respiratory Service (East Kent)

To work in partnership to make a positive difference for those living with respiratory conditions.

Contact us

KCHT.respiratoryteam@nhs.net

Ashford - 0300 7900272
Canterbury - 0300 1231412
Dover and Deal - 0300 123 1412
Thanet - 0300 1233027

Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm

Respiratory Team
Adult Clinical Services
Whitstable and Tankerton Hospital
Northwood Road
Whitstable
Canterbury
CT52HN

Who we are

The team is made up of specialist respiratory practitioners, respiratory nurses, associate practitioners and administrative staff.

We also have close links with the pulmonary rehabilitation team who consist of specialist physiotherapists, respiratory assistants and counsellors.

We work across east Kent covering Ashford, Canterbury, Thanet and South Kent Coast.

What we do

The Respiratory Team (east Kent) provides a specialist service to adult respiratory patients with a range of respiratory conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease, bronchiectasis and asthma. Whilst patients are seen predominantly in the clinic setting there is the ability to see patients at home where clinically indicated.

We provide an assessment and review service for all adult respiratory patients who require long term oxygen therapy or ambulatory oxygen.

The specialist respiratory team work closely across the boundaries between primary and secondary care whilst ensuring a seamless service for our patients who are on a respiratory pathway of care.

The service supports both national and local priorities in managing patients in the community as part of a managed care pathway whilst utilising national guidance such as NICE, BTS, SIGN and GOLD to promote evidenced based practice.

Protect your lungs this winter

Practising respiratory etiquette is key to protecting loved ones with respiratory conditions as infections such as Covid-19 and flu increase.

Find out more about the campaign and patients' top three tips. Check out the campaign on social media, #ProtectYourLungs.

How do you use this service?

You need to be referred by a GP or a healthcare professional. If you have been in hospital due to your respiratory condition then you may well have been referred to our service by the hospital respiratory team. If you are unsure please contact us.

If you are already known to our service and have any questions or require support please contact us.

Want to work with us?

Find out more about careers in respiratory nursing.

Helpful organisations

Useful respiratory links

Local and national organisations for care and carer support

Local and national counselling and talking therapies

Resources

Your comments

May 2023
Ashford

Such a nice lady. She came to see me at home. She made me feel comfortable. She answered all my questions. She went over breathing exercises with me and other aspects to help me with my anxiety.

May 2023
Canterbury

Very helpful, trying to put things in place to help and put our mind at ease.

May 2023
Deal

Your service has never let me down. I can call anytime. Always making me feel better. I like the clinic and I have had home visits too. All is going so very well.

May 2023
Dover

Gemma and the team are very thorough and professional at all times.

April 2023
Dover

Very thorough, very good, no hanging around, listens and answers any questions I have.

April 2023
Thanet

So approachable, professional, sympathetic and efficient. She is so good.

April 2023
Canterbury

She is super at her job. I feel so well looked after always. If I have any issues or problems, she can be relied upon to return my call promptly.

April 2023
Ashford

Has been just brilliant - all the nurses that have been looking after me have been so kind and caring. They answer all my question, most helpful.

March 2023
Ashford

When she comes to see me, she saved my life, I was really in a bad way. Always so polite. She makes me feel at ease.

March 2023
Whitstable

The nurses are prompt, professional, caring and expert in their field.

March 2023
Thanet

Brilliant all very good. from the start. There personalities are just brilliant. Very nice people and they listen. they care about me and it shows. An excellent service.

March 2023
Dover

Very good service, given by dedicated, friendly knowledgeable nurses.

January 2023
Ashford

First class. She was so professional and very approachable and explained everything in great detail. She answered all my queries in excellent detail. An asset to the service.

January 2023
Deal

The nurses are very understanding and I just feel very confident when I have been reviewed.

January 2023
Dover

My first visit was with Debbie, she was very informative and helpful and knowledgeable. My follow up was with Holly, she to was very helpful also very knowledgeable.

December 2022
Thanet

Emily delivers an excellent service. Emily is always on time, informative and good at her job.

December 2022
Herne Bay

Keep doing what you are doing. I have always had great service from the team that are out there on the front line seeing us.

December 2022
Faversham

Becky is very good at what she does and is always caring and reassuring.

June 2022
Canterbury

Traci always happy to se me, always smiling, explains the progress and gains consent.

June 2022
Herne Bay

Suzanne has time for me, listens to me, helps me with problems, nothing is too much for Suzanne.

June 2022
Ashford

Always been helpful and knowledgeable.

May 2022
Dover

I receive a very personal care which gives support to great piece of mind.

June 2022
Canterbury

Kind, helpful, nice and smiley caring.

May 2022
Faversham

They listen to me and do their best to help me.

May 2022
Ashford

The whole team have gone above and beyond with my care.

April 2022
Deal

Marina always takes the time to listen to me and listens well, she is confidential and always helps me and does not rush.

May 2022
Herne Bay

Service has been very good and they always listen.

April 2022
Maidstone

Pedro was very thorough with his assessment.

April 2022
Dover

Staff very helpful answered all questions.

April 2022
Ashford

She was always very encouraging. I find this very uplifting.

March 2022
Herne Bay

Positive impact on health.

March 2022
Thanet

Rachel looks after me well. I am treated well and she is very respectful.

March 2022
Canterbury

I felt reassured and confident that my father was in good hands.

March 2022
Ashford

All the ladies that I have been under are all very good - always on the end of the phone. Always there for me.

February 2022
Faversham

Iwas very happy with what they did and found them very helpful.

January 2022
Tunbridge Wells

The visit helped me to stay at home rather than going into hospital.

February 2022
Thanet

I feel very cared for and happy with everything.

January 2022
Dover

Everything that could be done has been, absolutely brilliant cannot fault nurse.

December 2021
Tonbridge & Malling

I felt reassured.

December 2021
Tunbridge Wells

I found out so much information regarding my COPD from that first visit.

December 2021
Thanet

Yvonne was very helpful. Answered all my questions. Offered a great servce.

December 2021
Canterbury

I felt safe knowing that I was now on the caseload and in place of saftey and that I could call at any time.

November 2021
Ashford

Merlyn answers all my questions and she does everything she can possibly do for me.

November 2021
Herne Bay

Suzanne is excellent and on the ball with everything, cannot fault her.

August 2021
Thanet

James is excellent, very caring, absolutely superb.

August 2021
Dover

Kelly is very efficient, explains everything.

August 2021
Tonbridge & Malling

Very happy with the service and the nurse what courteous and the nurse was superb giving me all the information.

August 2021
Shepway

I’ve been given written information and encouraged to refer back to it. Verbal discussions undertaken with patience.

August 2021
Ashford

Merlyn has been very helpful, referrals she has made has been good and helpful, overall a very beneficial experience.

September 2021
Thanet

James is very attentive. James is very through and he spends time with me and does not rush me. I am his priority when he is with me.

September 2021
Deal

Always answers my questions and she is very helpful. Marina gives me more confidence.

September 2021
Canterbury

Suzanne gives the best treatment and gives great advice.

June 2021
Yvonne

Yvonne she was just so lovely. She was very helpful and helped a lot made me feel very comfortably. Such a nice person, warm, genuine lady.

June 2021
Canterbury

Chris was able to listen to me and give support and management.

June 2021
Deal

Marina was lovely, helpful and kind.

June 2021
Ashford

Absolutely very impressed with efficiency and follow ups.

July 2021
Canterbury

Suzanne has improved her medication and made a difference.

July 2021
Ashford

Merlyn is fantastic cant praise her enough. really helpful to me and is so patient.

July 2021
Dover

Clair and Sophie are amazing Nurses. very helpful and reassuring.

July 2021
Faversham

It is very good. Pippa has done a lot for me. I like her a lot.

July 2021
Herne Bay

Very helpful, clear, listen and talk to me, very caring. Really good. Call them my angels.

April 2021
Tonbridge & Malling

Jacky explained everything thoroughly and gave me time to ask questions.

April 2021
Thanet

Rachel is very good, cannot fault her at all, she is excellent.

April 2021
Canterbury

Yvonne cheered me up. Felt better and more positive when she left, felt like someone was on your side.

May 2021
Faversham

Excellent - Pippa gets back to me, good contact with hospital very conscientious.

May 2021
Sevenoaks

It was nice to have a visit at home and the nurse was very helpful and I felt very reassured.

May 2021
Maidstone

I understand that the nurses who see me will discuss my care and work together to help me.

May 2021
Tonbridge & Malling

The nurse was friendly helpful and very informative.

February 2021
Dover

Yvonne listened to everything, put at ease, not rushed.

February 2021
Canterbury

Sue is so pleasant thorough, does not rush you. Answers my questions and is an all round excellent Nurse. Sue does what she says she will when she says it.

February 2021
Ashford

Beside being very efficient and knowledgeable both Merlyn and Lauren the two nurses we have seen have been very reassuring with their treatments and medication.

March 2021
Thanet

I felt she was very understanding and she cared about how I felt and took the time to know me my needs.

March 2021
Canterbury

She was very good, a nice pleasant young woman and explained everything. I know I will be well looked after now. The NHS is a marvellous business. Thank you.

March 2021
Deal

Marina is very reliable, totally thorough and takes her time, not rushing me at all. Marina always does what she says she is going to do and follows up.

March 2021
Shepway

Kelly is magic, she is on the ball, phones when she says she will, chats and explains everything. Visits me and I am really happy with the service Kelly gives. Kelly always goes above and beyond and helps me to feel at ease.

April 2021
Whitstable

Becky is so pleasant and very good at her job, easy to talk to very informative and I got on really well with her.

April 2021
Ashford

Lauren was amazing. she listened to my needs explained everything thoroughly and gave us lots of good advise, which I am following. Lauren is a very pleasant lady and a joy to deal with. Thank you.

December 2020
Whitstable

Any question/concern always get an answer, listening and responding

January 2021
Ashford

It made it all a lot clearly. I was far more relaxed after her visit as she explained everything in fall.

January 2021
Dover

Debbie has been very helpful and I like her a lot. She is so clear with all the information and I feel safe in her hands.

January 2021
Thanet

Colleen listens and gives me good advise and is always there and is just phone call away. She never fails to keep in touch with me. She is extremely good.

January 2021
Whitstable

Whenever I wanted anybody I been able to phone and within reason they get back to me very good and Una gets in touch with me. Makes me feel better.

January 2021
Dover

Kathy explains and writes things down as well so I can understand. Demonstrated how to use equipment.

January 2021
Canterbury

Helen has been very helpful and informative and always explains everything very well. Puts the technical stuff in layman terms.

February 2021
Shepway

Sandy told me everything about what I was feeling and gave me advice on how to control it.

October 2020
Canterbury

Becky always listens to me and contacts the GP and consultants when necessary. She is brilliant and sorts everything out for me. She is amazing.

November 2020
Herne Bay

I have not known Sue for long but she is like a light in my life. She is a star.

November 2020
Ashford

Makes me feel at ease, confident and happy that someone cares about me professionally, and that I haven't been forgotten.

November 2020
Shepway

Sandie herself is absolutely brilliant, but it took a while for anyone to come round and see him when he came out of hospital. Sandie is a very nice lady and ideal for the job.

November 2020
Dover

They were very quick to respond to the referral very respectful and had time for me.

December 2020
Thanet

They are always calling me, checking that I am doing OK. A fabulous nurse.

December 2020
Dover

The service I receive is exemplary. The nurses that I have seen have always been very knowledgeable and helpful. I could not wish for better.

December 2020
Canterbury

Everything is always very well explained. All the nurses we have seen are so helpful.

December 2020
Thanet

Couldn't wish for better people to come and see me. Look forward to their next visit.

August 2020
Dover

Sandie was very kind and explained everything to me.

September 2020
Thanet

Lovely friendly people who had all the time in the world to help explain everything in a calm way. Brilliant James and Rachel.

September 2020
Canterbury

Helen is a great person and she helped me a lot.

September 2020
Ashford

My nurse is extremely pleasant and shows great knowledge.

September 2020
Dover

Glad to have heard from my nurse, made me feel better.

September 2020
Canterbury

I am always made to feel very comfortable and everyone has my best interest at heart.

October 2020
Canterbury

Suzanne is so understanding and she listens and is very good.

October 2020
Ashford

Merlyn is very kind, explains, not bossy, does not give orders, really is very informative what she is doing and why and relieves my worries.

October 2020
Dover

I always enjoy the visits made by the nurses. They cheer me up.

July 2020
Dover

Debbie is very helpful, kind and puts my mind at ease. Excellent service offered all the time.

July 2020
Dover

Sandie is very caring and kind. Excellent service offered at all times.

July 2020
Dover

Sophie is amazing. very patient and helpful. Always feel better when we have spoken about my condition.

July 2020
Dover

Kathy is very caring and kind. Kathy always answers my calls and answers my questions.

July 2020
Dover

Marina is very good. Always willing to listen and explains things in a way I can understand.

July 2020
Thanet

Treated me as a person. Told me all about COPD. I now know more about it.

July 2020
Thanet

Very understanding to my needs.

August 2020
Dover

Clair is always so polite, caring and understanding.

August 2020
Canterbury

It helps me through the day and supports me.

July 2019
Canterbury East

Extremely pleased with info and time spent explaining everything. (Respiratory Nursing)

July 2019
Ashford

Service is well run and supportive. (Respiratory Nursing)

May 2019
Ashford

Nurses are very friendly and helpful. Nurses listen to me which is important to me.

June 2019
Ashford

The nurses have all made me feel at ease about my care and are supportive

June 2019
Shepway

Lovely people with real understanding.

May 2019
Dover

Very good service, very nice people and very helpful. Has really helped me with my COPD.

June 19
Thanet

The care, interest and explanation were first class from the three respiratory nurses I've seen, as were the nurses at the respiratory rehabilitation course I attended for the twelve weeks/sessions.

June 19
Whitstable

I feel I can phone the nurse any time and advice is given to me or she comes at to visit me at home if she feels I need that. Nothing is to much trouble for her.

February 2019
Shepway

The service is very thorough with sensitivity and friendliness.

February 2019
Whitstable

A genuine interest and care in all aspects of patient welfare.

February 2019
Thanet

I was treated with respect and was completely at ease, every question I asked was answered, also leaflets were there to take home. Very happy with my visit.

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