Acute Respiratory Integrated Care Service
Date issued: September 2026
Review date: September 2027
Leaflet section: Respiratory
PDF: Acute Respiratory Integrated Care Service.pdf [pdf] 154KB
Who are we?
ARICS is a team of healthcare professionals who are specially trained to assess and support people living with a long-term respiratory condition.
Our aim is to help you receive the right care as quickly as possible and, where appropriate, avoid or reduce the need for a hospital stay. We can provide same-day assessment, treatment and support to help you return home safely and continue your recovery at home.
We also support patients who are in hospital and may be ready to continue their recovery at home through our early supported discharge service.
On some occasions, if you become unwell, we may also be able to visit you at home to assess your condition and provide support.
What are our specialist services?
Our specialist respiratory team provides a range of services to support you in managing your respiratory condition and maintaining your health and independence:
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Respiratory assessment.
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Respiratory physiotherapy to support breathing and sputum burden.
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Respiratory education including smoking cessation, inhaler technique, vaccination advice and guidance on recognising and managing flare ups/exacerbations of COPD.
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Blood tests, Chest X ray, and referrals to other specialist investigations when required.
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Psychological support services.
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Self- management personalised care plan for your lung condition.
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Referral to appropriate social support or other community support services.
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Appropriate follow-up on referral -home visits/phone calls.
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Supported discharge to help you receive appropriate care and treatment at home, following hospital assessment or admission.
What to expect when you are discharged back home?
If you notice an increase in your COPD symptoms, you can contact ARICS directly during working hours for a Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU) self-referral. Our team will assess your symptoms and arrange the appropriate support.
What will happen?
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Specialist Nurse/Physiotherapist will speak with you and if needed, arrange a visit to your home.
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We will carry out a clinical assessment and may perform blood tests or other appropriate investigations.
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Your condition and assessment results will be discussed with the respiratory consultant as required.
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Based on the assessments, we will recommend the most appropriate treatment. This may be treatment at home or support with attending hospital.
What could you do?
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Let the team know about how they can access including key safe information if appropriate.
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Sit in a safe space with your phone nearby so that the team can easily contact you.
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Please keep pets in a separate area to create a safe environment for them to work in.
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Keep all your current medications ready as we will need to review them.
What will happen if you come to ARICS SDEC?
You may be seen in SDEC following a referral from your GP, advice from the ARICS team, or as part of your follow-up care.
What to expect?
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Triaging: Nurses in SDEC will assess your symptoms, check observations and arrange any necessary investigations.
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Specialist team will diagnose and treat your symptoms in ARICS with consultants when appropriate.
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You will be either discharged from ARICS to home or admitted to a ward for further care.
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You will have a confirmed follow up date after discharge from hospital.
What could you do?
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Bring your regular medications and an up-to-date medication list.
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Bring some food, a book, a handheld fan, mobile phone with charger, and a friend as it may take a few hours for a full assessment.
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On arrival, inform the reception desk so you can receive your wrist ID band.
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Collect your medication from Boots once discharged from ARICS, if necessary.
What will happen if you are admitted in a ward?
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Our specialist team members will visit you at your bedspace.
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Assess and plan your discharge alongside the treating medical team if appropriate.
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We will confirm your follow-up plan and make sure you understand the next steps in your care.
How can you contact us?
Working hours: 8am to 6pm. Monday to Friday.
Location: ARICS- Acute Respiratory Integrated Care Service
Level 6, Near Medical SDEC, Derriford Hospital.
Phone numbers: 01752 437656 (Referral phone), 01752 437201 (Hot desk)
Outside working hours: follow usual process for urgent attention, call 111 or 999.
Useful links for education: Asthma + Lung UK
Other formats
If you need this leaflet in another format such as Braille, large print, high contrast, British Sign Language or translated into another language, contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):
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01752 439694
