Specialist team celebrates 10th anniversary
A service which is helping reduce waiting lists and save money in Swansea Bay has celebrated its 10th anniversary.
The Ambulatory Pleural Procedure Service (APPS) was started at Singleton Hospital’s Medical Day Unit in September 2015.
Over the past decade, the service has grown from strength to strength, becoming an essential part of the health board’s respiratory care pathway and a trusted resource for both patients and clinicians.
Since its inception, the APPS has been committed to offering high-quality, timely, and safe ambulatory care for patients with pleural diseases - a range of conditions affecting the pleura, the thin membrane surrounding the lungs, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and cough.
From diagnostic procedures to therapeutic interventions, the team has consistently ensured that each patient receives expert management in a supportive and compassionate environment.
In all a total 3,188 patients were reviewed during this time which includes over 1,500 new referrals performing more than 1,500 procedures in an outpatient setting, saving an estimated £2.25million through hospital bed days and the cost of treatment.
Dr Narendrababu R Chinnappa, Consultant Chest Physician and Pleural Diseases Lead in Swansea Bay, said: “Our APPS plays a vital role in the investigation and management of pleural diseases in a timely manner within our health board.
“The team provides clinical review including examination, thoracic ultrasound and early intervention to patients on an outpatient basis.
“These patients may otherwise be committed to a prolonged in-patient admission.
“As well as early diagnosis for new patients, the service provides regular review and symptom control for patients with longstanding pleural conditions.
“Our Singleton pleural service not only supports ambulatory patients but also Singleton oncology and haematology ward inpatient pleural referrals which avoids transfer of these patients to Morriston Hospital for the same procedures.”
The service has always shown a willingness to innovate and expand.
Dr Chinnappa said: “Over the years, the APPS has introduced new techniques, streamlined pathways, and strengthened multidisciplinary working. These efforts have significantly improved patient outcomes, reduced waiting times, and enhanced the overall patient experience.
“The positive feedback and growing trust from patients and referring clinicians alike stand as a testament to the team’s excellence.
“We also started state of the art thoracoscopic pleural biopsy service at the Singleton endoscopy suite since 2017, doing more than 150 thoracoscopic pleural biopsies as a day procedure via Singleton MDU, avoiding admission to surgical wards for a VATS pleural biopsy.”
The APPS success story was accepted and presented at the European Respiratory Society Conference in Amsterdam last month and it has also presented five different posters in the past decade at various international and British Thoracic Society conferences.
Dr Chinnappa put the service’s success down to hard work and an excellent team.
He said: “The success of the service is a true reflection of the hard work, collaboration, and commitment of the entire pleural team, Singleton MDU team and the Singleton endoscopy team including our nurses, pleural ANPs, radiology, pathology colleagues, and administrative staff.
“My secretary, Gemma Parry, plays a vital role in liaising with all these referred patients and books them into the clinic in an appropriate, timely manner and maintains the appointment log.
“The whole team’s dedication has not only maintained the high standards of the service but has also driven continuous improvement and innovation.
“As we celebrate this 10-year journey, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to the success of the Pleural Service. Your commitment, expertise, and teamwork have made this achievement possible.”
Dr Chinnappa added he and the team will strive to maintain their focus and commitment to success in the years ahead.
He said: “Looking ahead, the service continues to thrive, embracing innovation and maintaining the highest standards of care. With the same enthusiasm and dedication that has defined the past decade, the Pleural Service is well-positioned to continue serving our patients and community for many more years to come.
“Congratulations to the entire Pleural Team on reaching this wonderful milestone!” said Richard Evans, SBUHB’s Executive Medical Director & Deputy Chief Executive, in praise of the team.
“Many congratulations to the APPS team for reaching this impressive milestone of 10 years.
“The APPS team provide a fantastic service that ensures patients can undergo investigations and procedures in an outpatient setting rather than needing to be admitted to a hospital bed, which is so important to patients.
“The success of the service is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Dr Chinnappa and the whole team as they continue to take the service from strength to strength.”
(Pic caption) The team from left to right: Sara Davies, Chrissy Price, Ebonie Duncombe, Gemma Parry, Dr Narendra Chinnappa, Sian Owen, and Diana Rees
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