The new and innovative snoring/sleep apnoea service led
by consultant Ear Nose and Throat surgeons, provides
accurate and prompt diagnosis of the causes of sleep
apnoea and provides the most appropriate treatment for
patients.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) has an estimated
incidence of 1-4% of the population. The new service
offers morning, afternoon and evening clinics for patients
within four weeks of referral and 80% of the sleep studies
undertaken are carried out in the comfort of the patient’s
own home.
At the clinic, patients have a comprehensive structured
questionnaire to complete, are assessed by a trained nurse
and undergo detailed diagnostic work up as well as
receiving healthy living/eating advice and information on
sleep apnoea. A decision is then made as to whether
medical or surgical interventions are necessary.
The service provides patients with Continuous Positive
Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines for them to use each
night. The machine’s usage can be monitored by the clinic
to ensure compliance, which helps staff to complete the
reports necessary for the DVLA to enable patients to drive
again.
One patient who drives 50,000 miles a year in his job as a
truck tyre wholesaler said using the CPAP machine to treat
his sleep apnoea has changed his life around: “For four or
five years I struggled to sleep and I used to have to have
two naps during every day just to get through the day. My
GP referred me to Mr Oko when I said I had trouble
sleeping, within weeks he got me on a CPAP machine
which I use every night and I’ve never looked back. It’s
made a huge difference to my life. I’m getting a good
night’s sleep and so is my wife.”
For more information on this project, please contact:
michael.oko@ulh.nhs.uk
