Respiratory Psychology Service
The Respiratory Psychology Service aims to provide psychological support to people living with a respiratory condition, such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), to help with improving their quality of life, increasing their skills in managing their condition, and helping them cope with any difficulties they might experience as a result of the condition.
Having a long-term lung condition can be challenging, whether you have recently been diagnosed or have been living with the condition for a long time. Respiratory conditions can impact various aspects of your life, including how you feel, how you think about yourself and the future, and your relationships with other people. We recognise that some people with a respiratory condition may need some psychological support to help manage these challenges.
Who can access this service?
We work with adults diagnosed with a long-term respiratory condition and who are under one of the Respiratory Teams within Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, either at Bedford Hospital or the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital. Conditions we commonly see include asthma, COPD, and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Our specialist service is available for individuals aged 18 and over who have a Bedfordshire GP. Unfortunately we cannot currently support those who have a Luton GP.
What support do we offer?
We offer psychological support for various difficulties related to living with a respiratory condition.
This may include:
- Difficulty adjusting to the diagnosis of a respiratory condition
- Depression as a result of the impact the respiratory condition has on your life
- Frightening breathlessness leading to anxiety, panic attacks and/or frequent A&E attendances
- Psychological distress linked to a change in abilities or daily functioning
- Problems with managing the treatment of the respiratory condition (e.g., struggling to follow medical guidance and/or treatment plans)
- Post-traumatic stress symptoms linked to the respiratory condition or its treatment, including trauma after admission to hospital
- Difficulty quitting smoking
- Deterioration of close relationships due to the respiratory condition
- Concerns about attending a pulmonary rehabilitation programme
Our therapeutic approaches include cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, compassion-focused therapy, narrative therapy, and trauma-based approaches.
How to access the Respiratory Psychology Service
We understand that accessing appropriate, timely support is important. To access our services, please speak to your Respiratory Nurse or Respiratory Consultant at Bedford Hospital or Luton & Dunstable Hospital who will discuss the referral process with you.
What happens next?
Once you have been referred, you will be contacted by our administrator to offer you an initial assessment with the psychologist. We will then send you a letter along with a few questionnaires that we ask you to fill in and bring to your first appointment. The assessment will take around 60 minutes and will involve a conversation to help us understand your experiences with your respiratory condition and how it has been impacting you.
Appointments are either face-to-face at the hospital or virtually via video or telephone call. You can let us know about your preferences when you are referred. You can come to the initial appointment on your own, or you are welcome to bring a friend or relative. Part of the discussion will include whether this service or another service may be helpful to you.
After your assessment, we will work together to find the most supportive and suitable treatment plan for you. Our psychology appointments typically last around 50 minutes. Sessions are offered weekly or fortnightly, to give you space to reflect and try any techniques your psychologist may suggest.
Where are we located?
We are located at Bedford Hospital and the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital Respiratory Services.
- Bedford Hospital South Wing, 2nd Floor, Caudwell Centre, Kempston Road, Bedford, MK42 9DJ
- Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, Zone B, Lewsey Road, Luton, LU4 0DZ
Contact Us
You can contact us via our service e-mail: elft.respiratorypsychology@nhs.net.
Alternatively you can contact our service administrators:
Tel: 01582 497540 (Luton & Dunstable University Hospital)
Tel: 01234 795859 Ext: 5409 (Bedford Hospital)
We are not a crisis service – if you are in crisis please contact NHS 111 or access urgent support.