What is the Acute Respiratory Assessment Service (ARAS)?
The Acute Respiratory Assessment Service (ARAS) is a service that enables patients with chronic lung disease to be discharged from hospital as early as possible. A member of the ARAS team will assess the patient whilst they are in hospital and if they feel the patient would benefit from ARAS they will be discharged home for treatment rather than staying in hospital. The ARAS team consists of health care professionals with expertise in respiratory disease. They will visit the patient on a daily basis, as required, to assess their progress, provide treatment and advice and support them during their illness in the comfort of their own home. The patient will be provided with medication and any equipment they require will be loaned to them. The team gives the patient advice about medication, breathing techniques, relaxation, diet and nutrition and mobility. The team has direct contact with the hospital respiratory consultants for any further specialist advice. Once the patient is feeling be
