Pleural Effusion

 

If your case is considered urgent (e.g. hypoxic, dyspnoeic, etc) please discuss cases with the Acute GP service for potential admission.

 

Acute GP’s

Please refer on MAXIMS stating either inpatient or outpatient.

 

New undiagnosed unilateral effusions

Lung cancer fast track referral form to be completed. For direct pleural fast track referral, please ensure you tick the “new unilateral pleural effusion” box on the lung cancer referral form.

Please ensure patients have had EGFR, FBC and clotting screen performed at time of referral. Please state any anticoagulants taken in clinical details.

NB: these forms are screened by administrators so will not be identified as pleural if only documented in clinical details. Pleural effusion box MUST be ticked.

 

Pleural patients already known to the service

For pleural management advice or to request for a pleural review appointment, please email rcht.pleuraleffusionhotline@nhs.net.

 

General advice on pleural management

For non-urgent general advice on pleural patients and management, please email rcht.pleuraleffusionhotline@nhs.net.

 

Pleural Clinical Nurse Specialist contact details:

Email: rcht.pleuraleffusionhotline@nhs.net

Pleural CNS office: 01872 252058

Working hours Monday - Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm

For urgent queries outside of these hours, please contact the Respiratory registrars through the hospital switchboard.

 

 

Review date                           16 March 2025

Next review date                    16 March 2027

GP Sifter                                  Dr Kate Northridge