Does anyone know how to find out which GPs specialise in respiratory conditions?

[kris123]

My own doctors website states the speciality of each doctor but other surgery websites do not. I have not been able to find a list anywhere.

[tanyamarie]

When I was researching this for my dad I found the best way was to ask them. I asked the practice manager. I also then had a meeting with a GP and she advised me who and where the specialists were. Most hospital websites have the information, otherwise, again just ring and ask them.

[Hidden]

You might want to check out NHS Choices to find health services near you, then go from there:

nhs.uk/Pages/HomePage.aspx

Pity your own surgery doesn't have someone with respiratory awareness, nurse or GP.

Your local hospital may be able to advise also.

[FatBoyNotSoSlim]

It might just be worth phoning your local GP surgeries and asking if they have either a Respiratory Nurse or a GP who specialises in respiratory problems. Most, if not all, GP's have at least one area of expertise.

[kris123]

Thanks for your replies and ideas. I have tried the NHS Choices website but there is just a list of practices and their doctors. There are so many in this area but none say they specialise in respiratory areas. Will try phoning the hospital - good idea

[O2Trees]

The suggestion to phone practice manager is a good one kris123.

The term for GPs who specialise in a particular health area is GPSI, pronounced gypsy. You could ask if they have a respiratory GPSI in the practice, as well of course as a respiratory nurse etc. Sometimes it helps to sound like you know how the system works, and a bit of jargon can help you blag!

Also you could ask if there are community services in your area. I live in Kent and there are wonderful community services for many different long term conditions, with clinical nurse specialists (another term) who are brilliant. Generally the role of these teams is to treat patients in the community and help keep them out of hospital, and they often organise pulmonary rehab courses too. Your primary care trust (which will be abolished next April under the NHS changes) should be able to tell you about community teams in your area as currently they are the organisation who commissions them. If you google - primary care trust for (your area) - you should get their name and go from there.

good luck, jean

[kris123]

There is a COPD nurse attached to the hospital but she only seems to be interested in whether I need oxygen (which I am trying to avoid). I have asked my GP 3 times for PR but I found out with the help of BE that I am not even on the waiting list. It is 8 years since I had the last one. Everything seems so disjointed in my area or maybe its just my surgery who doesn't seem to help - just dishes out medication and antibiotics when required. Your idea, O2trees to phone the PCT seems a good idea. One phone call instead of 40!