Clinicians within the pleural service at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) deliver coordinated care across Royal Lancaster Infirmary and Furness General Hospital, ensuring patients with pleural conditions receive consistent, high-quality specialist assessment and treatment regardless of site. The service is structured to provide timely investigation and management, with an emphasis on reducing delays, avoiding unnecessary hospital attendances, and supporting efficient outpatient-based care where appropriate.
The pleural team works closely with radiology, oncology, cardiothoracic, palliative care, and community services to provide joined up care from diagnosis through to ongoing management and support. Clear communication with patients and families is a central principle of the service, enabling informed decision making and understanding of investigations and treatment options. Through collaborative working and standardised approaches, the service aims to improve patient experience, reduce avoidable admissions, and support care that is focused on comfort, quality of life, and individual needs.
The pleural clinic provides specialist assessment and ongoing care for people with conditions affecting the lining of the lungs, including pleural effusions (fluid around the lung) and pneumothorax (air leaking into the space around the lung, sometimes called a collapsed lung).
In clinic, patients are reviewed by experienced clinicians who take a detailed history, assess symptoms such as breathlessness or chest pain, and carry out an examination. Thoracic ultrasound is commonly used to assess pleural effusions, helping to confirm the presence of fluid and guide safe decision-making. For pneumothorax, clinicians review chest X-rays and other imaging, assess stability, and decide on the most appropriate management based on symptoms and size.
Treatment plans are individualised. For pleural effusions, this may include draining fluid to relieve breathlessness, sending samples for tests, or arranging longer term management such as follow up procedures. For pneumothorax, management may range from observation and outpatient follow up to needle aspiration or chest drain insertion, depending on clinical need. Throughout the process, patients are given clear explanations, advice on warning symptoms and a plan for follow-up with access to a pleural hotline.
Contact details
Pleural Hotline: 07970 037087