Expanding access to respiratory diagnostics in primary care
Through a Locally Commissioned Service (LCS), NHS Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB) has successfully reintroduced spirometry in primary care, ensuring patients have access to high-quality, community-based respiratory diagnostics.
Spirometry is a breathing test that measures how much air you can breathe in and out of your lungs, and how quickly you can breathe out, helping doctors diagnose and monitor conditions like Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD – a common lung disease). Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) testing is a very simple way to rapidly diagnose certain types of Asthma.
A key part of this initiative is the partnership with Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust’s (BHT) Clinical Engineering team, which is managing the procurement and maintenance of spirometry and FeNO equipment across 80 GP practices.
Since Q3 2024:
- 3,000+ tests conducted (1,000+ in Bucks)
- Standardised, quality-assured equipment supplied
- Reduced pressure on acute services
- Enhanced early detection of respiratory disease
Stephen Squire, Head of Medical Technology and Clinical Engineering Services, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust said: “With a £610,000 investment until 2027 and using the expertise of BHT Clinical Engineering we are putting the right equipment into GP practices so they can deliver accessible, high-quality diagnostics closer to home.”