Thoracic Medicine
(breathing and lung issues)
Thoracic Medicine investigates and treats diseases of the lungs.
Our services
We have a range of investigative and therapeutic services including:
- Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre
- Pulmonary Malignancy (lung cancer)
- Queensland Lung Transplant Service
- Sleep Disorders Centre
We care for patients within our:
- Outpatient clinics
- Respiratory Investigations Unit
- Thoracic ward.
Our team of experienced specialists have expertise in a broad range of lung conditions including:
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- asthma
- bronchiectasis
- dyspnoea
- pneumonia
- pleural diseases
- pulmonary emboli
- pleural effusions
- interstitial lung disease
- occupational lung disease.
Respiratory Investigations Unit
Our Respiratory Investigations Unit provides diagnostic services for patients with acute, chronic and rare respiratory problems. It has a fully computerised and accredited Lung Function Laboratory, performing respiratory function and exercise testing services including:
- spirometry
- gas transfer estimations
- full lung volumes
- bronchoprovocation testing (to test asthma)
- altitude simulation testing
- shunt testing
- 6 minute walk tests
- bronchoscopies
- pleural aspiration procedures
- Cardiopulmonary Exercise Stress Test Consent
How to access this service
To access this service, your GP or medical practitioner will need to send a referral letter to the hospital.
If there is a waiting list, you will receive a confirmation letter and be advised on what to do next. If there is no waiting list, you will receive an appointment booking letter or we will contact you to arrange a suitable time for your appointment.
Refer a patient
To refer a patient:
Thoracic Medicine referral guideline
GP and Specialist Hotline:
1300 364 938
Health professionals:
More information
After your hospital appointment
Your doctor may advise that you require surgery. If this is the case you will be placed on a surgical waiting list and may need to attend the Pre-admission Clinic before your surgery.
What to bring
- Your Medicare card
- Private health insurance card (if you have one)
- Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Current medications (prescription, over the counter and herbal medicine)
- Relevant x-rays, scans or any other test results or reports
- Glasses, hearing aids and mobility aids
- Your appointment letter
- Any special items listed on your letter
- WorkCover claim number (if relevant)
- Snacks, a drink or money to buy refreshments
- Something to read or do while you wait
- An adult carer to support you and take you home
- Copy of Advanced Healthcare Directive or Enduring Power of Attorney (if you have one)
- A jacket or cardigan in case you get cold
- A dressing gown or cardigan, sleepwear or comfortable day clothes
- Slippers and shoes (low heel, closed-in, non-slip, adjustable and firm fitting around the foot)
- Your toiletries and personal items
- Copy of Advanced Healthcare Directive or Enduring Power of Attorney if you have one
- Something to read or do during your stay
- Medical devices required for your care (e.g. CPAP machine)
- Do not bring large amounts of cash or valuables such as jewellery, watches or other items of value to you
Clinics
Contact us
Location: Heart and Lung Clinic, Ground floor, Main Building, The Prince Charles Hospital
Phone: (07) 3139 4000 or
(07) 3139 4207 (to change or cancel an appointment)
Fax: (07) 3139 5630
Open: Monday-Friday 8.30am-4.00pm
Need help outside hours?
For non-urgent medical issues call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or visit your GP.
In an emergency call 000.
Refer a patient
To refer a patient to this service, view the Thoracic Medicine referral guideline.
GP and Specialist Referral Hotline:
1300 364 938
Queensland Health Spirometry Training Program
The Spirometry training program provides clinicians with the skills, knowledge and specific competencies required to perform spirometry to international standards and Queensland Health guidelines. View more about the Queensland Health Spirometry Training Program.