Dr Adam Ainley
Qualifications
MBBS, BSc, MRCP, PhD
GMC number: 6164138
Practising since: 2007
Specialties
Respiratory Medicine, General (internal) Medicine
Consultation times
- Friday 14:00–18:00 (fortnightly)
- Overview
About
Dr Adam Ainley is a highly experienced Consultant Respiratory Physician with specialist expertise in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of lung and breathing disorders. He is the Clinical Lead for the Tuberculosis (TB) service at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust and acts as a clinical advisor to the national MDRTB advisory service, supporting the management of complex and drug‑resistant TB cases across the UK.
He also jointly leads the Pleural Lung Disease Service at King George Hospital, providing advanced care for conditions such as pleural effusions and pneumothorax. During the COVID‑19 pandemic, Dr Ainley played a key role as Clinical Lead for the BHRUT/NELFT Post‑COVID Service, helping patients with persistent breathlessness, fatigue and long‑term respiratory complications.
Dr Ainley has extensive experience in managing a wide range of respiratory conditions, including asthma, COPD, chronic cough, bronchiectasis, lung cancer, interstitial lung disease, sleep apnoea, and unexplained breathlessness. His approach combines detailed clinical assessment with evidence‑based investigation, ensuring patients receive a clear diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.
He completed his medical training at University College London, followed by postgraduate training in Oxford and London. He later undertook a prestigious NIHR Clinical Fellowship at Imperial College London and the UK Health Security Agency, before completing a PhD at the National Heart and Lung Institute, focusing on the detection and management of severe respiratory infections.
Alongside his clinical work, Dr Ainley is active in research and education. He has served as Principal Investigator for multiple respiratory studies and has authored peer‑reviewed publications and textbook chapters, contributing to advances in respiratory medicine.
Patients value Dr Ainley for his clear communication, thorough assessments and compassionate, structured approach to managing both common and complex respiratory conditions.
Special interests
- Respiratory infections, including tuberculosis (TB) and complex drug‑resistant TB
- Bronchiectasis and recurrent chest infections
- Pleural lung disease (such as pleural effusion and pneumothorax)
- Airways disease, including asthma and COPD
- Chronic, persistent or unexplained cough
- Interstitial lung disease
- Breathlessness and shortness of breath
- Lung cancer assessment and investigation
- Sleep apnoea and sleep‑related breathing problems
- Post‑COVID respiratory symptoms
Other interests
- Management of recurrent chest infections
- Long‑term effects of viral respiratory illnesses
- Post‑COVID respiratory assessment and recovery
- Smoking‑related lung disease and smoking cessation support
- Respiratory health in complex medical conditions
- Preventative lung health and early detection of disease
- Interpretation of advanced respiratory imaging and diagnostics
- Multidisciplinary care for patients with complex respiratory needs
Personal interests
Outside of medicine, Dr Ainley enjoys spending time with his family and keeping active. He has a strong interest in outdoor pursuits and enjoys walking, cycling and exploring new places. He also has a passion for teaching and mentoring, and is committed to supporting the next generation of doctors.
He values a balanced lifestyle and takes a keen interest in health, wellbeing and lifelong learning.
Languages spoken
English
Treatments and tests offered by Dr Adam Ainley at Nuffield Health
- Bronchoscopy
- Allergy testing
- Respiratory virus screen
Locations Dr Adam Ainley works with
Related experience
Research
- Active involvement in clinical research within respiratory medicine
- Principal Investigator for multiple national and local respiratory studies
- Research focus on respiratory infections, tuberculosis (including MDRTB), pleural disease and post‑viral lung conditions
- Completed a 3‑year NIHR Clinical Fellowship in Respiratory Infections at Imperial College London and the UK Health Security Agency
- PhD research at the National Heart and Lung Institute on the detection, behaviour and management of severe respiratory infections
- Author of peer‑reviewed journal articles and textbook chapters
- Regular contributor to academic meetings and educational events
- Ongoing collaboration with academic and clinical teams to improve outcomes for patients with complex lung disease
Other posts held
- Consultant Respiratory Physician King George Hospital, Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust
Insurers Dr Adam Ainley works with
Dr Adam Ainley works with the following private medical insurance providers:
- Allianz
- Aviva Health
- AXA Health
- Benenden Health
- Bupa
- Cigna
- Healix
- Vitality Health (Pru Health)
- WPA