Spirometry Testing Backlog 2023/24

Building on our experience of ARI hubs in 2022/23, we have developed a hub and spoke approach to the delivery of primary care services at scale. This approach has proved successful in securing full PCN and practice engagement, patient take up of services and operational delivery. An example in 2023/24 is the successful backlog clearance of adult spirometry. CHP has been the lead contractor with the ICB and then put in place subcontracts with all our PCNs. We required a single clinical lead and clinical governance structure in each PCN. All PCNs were enthusiastic to take the service forward. All practices undertook their own desktop review and where indicated undertook hand held spirometry as a screening test. PCNs shared trained staff and equipment. Hubs were set up in:

• North Camden PCN hub – Roy Shaw Centre
• Kentish Town South PCN hub – Kentish Town Health Centre
• West and Central Camden PCN Hub - Brondesbury Medical Centre
• Four PCNs operated satellite hublets: Central Hampstead (3), Kentish Town Central (3), West Camden (2) and South Camden (2)

To support shareholding practices, CHP made up to £2000 funding available to each practice to contribute to the purchase of spirometry equipment and consumables for our mini hubs across the borough. Equipment bought so far included eight desktop spirometers including software licences and calibration and five FENO machines.

Working with the ICB team, CHP also co-ordinated training for 57 health professionals within CHP practices with secondary care specialists working towards ARTP accreditation, the gold standard for spirometry testing.  Monthly MDTs and training will continue to support professional development.

Table 1: Spirometry activity January to May 2024