Service overview
Our service is part of the Cardiac and Respiratory Specialist Services (CARSS), which is available in Berkshire West.
Our Respiratory service provides expert guidance for individuals diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). We can support you in managing your condition more effectively,
Accessing our service
To access our service, you'll need a referral from your GP or healthcare professional, along with a confirmed diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) through spirometry.
Once we receive your referral, we’ll get in touch within five days. If your symptoms suggest you might be at risk of going into hospital, we’ll contact you sooner.
If you experience severe chest pain or sudden shortness of breath, please call 999 immediately.
Preparing for your assessment
When you’re referred to us, we will offer a full respiratory assessment in our clinic, or your own home.
We’re a team of Respiratory Nurses and Physiotherapists.
We can find the issues you have with breathing caused by COPD, and help you plan ways to improve your health.
We can offer advice and education about your condition, including how to recognise any signs and symptoms of deterioration and what to do.
This could include understanding your condition and spotting the early signs of breathlessness, wheezing, and mucus (sputum).
Managing your health
Treatment and rehabilitation
When we know more about your health at your assessment, we can provide you with self-help information about chest clearance techniques, breathing control to help shortness of breath and lifestyle changes
We may also offer rehabilitation courses to improve your muscle strength and breathing.
We can support you by:
- monitoring your oxygen levels, listening to your chest, and assessing your breathing
- showing you how to use your inhaler properly
- arranging six monthly and annual reviews if you have an oxygen prescription
Your e-Health Passport
Your e-Health Passport lets us know what's important to you - from your preferred name and pronouns to how you'd like us to support you and communicate with you.
Learn moreContact us and FAQs
All visits to our centres are by appointment only. Please do not visit our centres unless you have an appointment.
If you’re unsure who to contact, please speak to your GP.
Our team are primarily based in Reading.
Coley Clinic
CARSS Service
Contact number: 0118 904 6555 We're available from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Post Address: RG1 6DL
Location detailsRespiratory clinics
We offer our clinic appointments in Thatcham, Reading, and Wokingham.
Coley Clinic
CARSS Service
Contact number: 0118 904 6555 We're available from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Post Address: RG1 6DL
Location detailsWest Berkshire Community Hospital
CARSS Service
Contact number: 0118 904 6555 We're available from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Post Address: RG18 3AS
Location detailsWokingham Hospital
CARSS Service
Contact number: 0118 904 6555 We're available from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Post Address: RG41 2RE
Location detailsFrequently asked questions
Can I get support if I am already referred into a CARSS service?
Yes. Please speak to the healthcare professional from the CARSS service you’re being cared by
Do you provide support for other issues like asthma, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary fibrosis?
We just provide support for COPD related issues. However we do see these issues in our pulmonary rehabilitation service.
Can I ask for a home visit if I can’t travel to the clinic?
Yes, please let us know your care preference and we’ll try our best.
We can also help you with
Is there any information for friends, family and carers?
If you’re a family member, carer, or you look after someone, there’s practical, financial, and emotional support available from a range of local communities and national organisations.
How do I request an interpreter?
We can provide language translation and interpretation support.
Tell our staff which language you prefer to use, and we will make sure the right communication support is in place for your assessment and treatment. Please let us know as early as possible so we can ensure the appropriate translation or interpreting support is available.
We offer a range of professional services to ensure everyone can understand and be understood:
- Telephone interpreting
- Video remote interpreting (VRI)
- Face‑to‑face interpreting
- Written translation
- British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting
How can I get information in an accessible format?
Anyone with a disability, impairment, or sensory loss has the right to receive information in a format that meets their needs.
Under the Accessible Information Standard (AIS) – a legal requirement for all health and adult social care providers – we must ensure that people who use our services, including carers and families, can understand the information we provide and communicate effectively with us.
We can offer information in a range of accessible formats, including:
- British Sign Language (BSL)
- Large print
- Braille
- Audio
- Easy read
- Text message
- Face‑to‑face support with a carer or advocate present
If you need information in any of these formats, please tell a member of our team and we will make sure your communication needs are met.
Are service dogs allowed to my appointment?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your registered service animal, such as a guide dog, hearing dog, medical alert dog, or other trained assistance dog to your appointment.
These animals are recognised as essential support and are permitted in most areas of our services.
To help us prepare, please let the team know before your appointment if you will be attending with a service animal. This allows us to make sure the environment is safe and comfortable for you, your animal, and other patients.
Please note that service animals may not be able to enter certain restricted clinical areas for safety or infection‑control reasons, but we will always work with you to find an appropriate alternative.
What does it mean to treat our team with respect?
Respect is important.
We will be polite and kind and we expect that you treat our staff in the same way.
Abuse, hate and discrimination against our staff is unacceptable.
We will take strong action against anyone who is verbally, racially, physically, or sexually abusive to them.
This may include contacting the police to prosecute, and stopping future access to our healthcare services.
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