Following on from your recent consultation with the Doctor, they have requested you make an appointment to have your lung function tested with a Health Care Assistant.

This lung function test will be done with the aid of a spirometer which is a small portable machine that measures the precise volume of air expired from the lungs when a deep breath is taken.

This is a 45 minute appointment, as it consists of a 15 minute consultation regarding the procedure and an initial test followed by 15 minute rest in our waiting area, then a further 15 minute test.

It is essential for you to read the following information before you attend your appointment.

It is imperative that you:

• Bring all your inhalers and relevant medication along with you
• Ensure your clothes are loose and comfortable (nothing which stops chest or abdomen expansion)

2 hours prior to your appointment please DO NOT:

• Undertake any strenuous exercise (for example – jogging)
• Eat a large meal
• Use any inhalers

4 hours prior to your appointment please DO NOT:

• Drink alcohol
• Smoke

Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time to ensure your breathing is relaxed

Important Notice – If you have a chest infection between now and your appointment, please contact us to delay your appointment. Spirometry needs to be done at least 6 weeks after any chest infection.

When arriving for your appointment, please ensure you empty your bladder. Check in using our self-service check in screen that is located on the ground floor waiting room (to the right of the reception desk) and take a seat in our waiting room until the Health Care assistant is ready to see you.

Once your test is complete your results will be passed onto the GP. If a follow-up appointment is needed you will be contacted by the Patient Services Team to make an appointment with the GP. This may take place up to four to six weeks after your spirometry appointment.

It is imperative that you do attend this appointment. The Doctor has requested this and if you do not attend the appointment this may lead to a delay in diagnosis and/or treatment which may affect your quality of life.

We have many wasted appointments daily as patients do not cancel or attend the practice.

If you are unable to attend your appointment you can do one of the following:

• Respond CANCEL to your text reminder
• Telephone the practice, press Option 1, then Option 1 again where you can leave a voicemail message
• Or log onto the online service and cancel your appointment https://SystmOnline.tpp-uk.com

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Patient Services Team.