I am writing to provide you with an important update regarding spirometry referrals to the Adult Respiratory Care and Rehabilitation (ARCARE). As you may already be aware, there has been a significant increase in demand for spirometry services post-COVID. There is now a 4-5 month waiting for patients referred for spirometry. ARCARE is not set up nor commissioned to handle the entirety of spirometry referrals in Tower Hamlets. We have now established a collaboration with Barts Health Lung Function Department and ARCARE to address this issue while also supporting the reopening of the primary care networks spirometry hubs.
In this regard, effective 17th of July 2023, ARCARE will no longer be accepting referrals for spirometry via EMIS or SPA. Instead all referrals should be directed via the electronic referral system (ERS) choosing the following directory of service:
Speciality – Diagnostic Physiological Measurement
Clinic Type – Respiratory – Full Lung Function
GP access Spirometry – Respiratory Medicine – (MEH) – Barts Health NHS Trust – R1H
And
GP access Spirometry – Respiratory Medicine – (RLH) – Barts Health NHS Trust – R1H
We understand this change may impact your service and we apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. Please note any referrals received prior to 17th July 2023 are still being handled according to priority and will not be any further delayed by the new referral process.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation.