Muscular Dystrophy Ireland

A respiratory clinic is held every three months in Temple Street Children’s Hospital where children are seen by a respiratory nurse and Dr. Slattery. Respiratory Consultant.
The factsheet below was written by Ursula Caulfield, Respiratory Nurse Specialist, for parents whose children attend this clinic. MDI Family Support and Clinic Coordinator, Margaret Goode, also attends this clinic to provide support to families on the day.

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland Clinic Information Sheet
Respiratory Neuromuscular Clinic, Children’s University Hospital

Patients are referred to this clinic from doctors involved in the care of children with a neuromuscular disorder.

The purpose of this clinic visit is to assess and monitor your child’s respiratory function. This clinic visit runs over the course of the morning until lunchtime. It is carried out on Level 2 of the Main Outpatient’s Building. During the clinic visit you will meet the Respiratory Consultant and her team including doctors, Respiratory Nurse Specialist, and Respiratory Scientists.

During the clinic visit, a chest x-ray, lung function testing, a blood test, an assessment by the doctor and education by the Respiratory Nurse Specialist will be carried out. This will occur over the course of the morning.

Lung function testing: A number of breathing tests help assess your child’s lung function. This is carried out in the Respiratory laboratory on the same floor as the clinic.

Chest x-ray: A chest x-ray is carried out on a regular basis to assess your child’s respiratory condition. This is carried out in the Radiology Dept in the main hospital.

Blood test: Special numbing cream or spray is used prior to the blood test. The department is in the main Outpatient building.

Oxygen study: This is carried out at home. A small monitor is worn to carry out the overnight study while your child is asleep in bed. This may be carried out prior to the visit or given to you on the day of your visit.

Doctors’ assessment: During this review the doctor will enquire about any ongoing respiratory symptoms, relevant past medical events, examine your child, and review some of your child’s test results with you.

Education: The doctor may recommend some medical appliances that can assist with clearing your child’s respiratory secretions or helping your child’s night-time breathing while asleep. Education and support in using these appliances is carried out by the Respiratory Nurse Specialist.

Follow-up: Children are reviewed on a 6 monthly to 1 yearly basis as required.