Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) Service
Contact us
NIV helpline: 01227 866402
Opening times: Monday to Friday, from 8am to 4pm (excluding bank holidays).
What we do
Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is a mask attached to a device that supports breathing. Our team assess patients for this treatment and care for those that use it at home.
NIV is a way to support people with their breathing. It uses a mask and a machine that pushes air into the lungs. Someone might need NIV if:
their breathing muscles are weak
they have trouble breathing when asleep
they have COPD (a long-term lung problem).
We show patients and families how to use the machine safely so they can feel better and stay at home.
About your appointment
If you are referred to our service you will be invited to an assessment. This appointment may include a blood test taken from the ear, called a Capillary Blood Gas.
If it is necessary to provide you with an NIV device you will be shown how to use the device and care for it. The device will be set up specifically to your needs and will only be changed if required, by our team.
Where do we provide this service?
Buckland Hospital, Dover
Royal Victoria Hospital, Folkestone
William Harvey Hospital, Ashford
Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital, Margate.
How do you use this service?
You will be referred to us by other specialist services. These may include:
Community Respiratory Nursing Team
Respiratory Consultant
Sleep Physiology Team.
Is my information shared with anyone outside the hospital?
We take your privacy very seriously. We share relevant information with the device and mask manufacturers, to ensure:
seamless care
appropriate monitoring of your therapy
timely mask and consumable resupply.
Our device manufacturers are ResMed and Philips Respironics. These companies are required to follow strict data protection rules. Our Trust’s Information Governance team have carefully reviewed and approved these arrangements, to make sure your information is handled safely and securely.
Each company also has a document called a Privacy Notice. This document explains how your information is collected, used and protected, and how risks to your privacy are minimised.
What if I don't want you to share my information?
If you do not want your information to be shared with these companies, you can opt out at any time. To do this, please contact the Sleep Physiology team using one of the following options:
Telephone: 01227 866402
Email: ekhuft.adminnivhelpline@nhs.net
Our team will update your preferences and ensure your choice is respected.