The Lane Fox Respiratory Unit (LFU) provides invasive and non invasive management of chronic respiratory failure in a purpose built 14-bed ward that was established in 1989.
We provide inpatient care for those failing to 'wean' from invasive ventilation following critical illness.
We also investigate chronic respiratory failure resulting from a variety of causes such as:
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- neuromuscular disease (for example Duchenne muscular dystrophy and motor neuron disease)
- chest wall disease (for example scoliosis)
- chronic respiratory failure related to obesity
- motor neurone disease (MND).
We support a large population (over 1,200) in the use of non invasive ventilation at home and an increasing number of tracheostomy ventilated patients.
We are unique in the UK as we provide a 24-hour medical, nursing and technical back up service for assisting patients who are experiencing difficulty with their ventilatory equipment, especially in the home environment.
The unit provides a comprehensive service for those suffering from the late consequences of poliomyelitis including a post polio rehabilitation service.
Partnership with REMEO
The Unit has joined with REMEO Ltd, a subsidiary of BOC, to develop a 20-bedded weaning unit that opened on the East Surrey Hospital site in 2014. This novel public-private partnership will allow clinical care to be delivered to more patients with chronic respiratory failure under the care of our consultant team.
Clinical research
Research underpins our activities and informs our patient, carer and staff educational programmes.
We have an active research programme lead by Dr Nicholas Hart and Dr Joerg Steier.
Our research is focused on improving quality of life in patients with chronic respiratory disease and is focused on two areas:
- advanced physiological monitoring and ventilatory strategies in sleep and chronic respiratory failure
- muscle wasting, weakness and rehabilitation.
We have a PhD research programme with support provided by our clinical trials co-ordinator.