Dr Matthew Knight

I am a Consultant Respiratory Physician with particular expertise in the assessment of persistent cough, breathlessness and complex asthma. I practise privately at The Wellington Hospital (HCA Healthcare UK), The Clementine Churchill Hospital, and OSD Healthcare in Hemel Hempstead.

A significant proportion of my practice involves patients who remain symptomatic despite previous investigation and are seeking a clear diagnosis and structured management plan. I also assess and manage sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnoea, and a broad range of adult respiratory conditions.

Persistent Cough and Breathlessness

Chronic cough and unexplained breathlessness require careful and systematic evaluation. Symptoms may arise from asthma, airway inflammation, reflux-related disease, cardiac limitation, deconditioning or dysfunctional breathing patterns, and accurate diagnosis is essential.

I undertake detailed clinical assessment supported by appropriate investigations, including comprehensive lung function testing and, where indicated, cardio-pulmonary exercise testing (CPET). This enables precise differentiation between potential causes and allows treatment to be targeted appropriately.

The aim is to provide clarity — understanding what is driving symptoms and setting out a practical, evidence-based plan.

Asthma and Complex Airway Disease

I have a particular interest in asthma, including difficult-to-control and severe disease. I lead a specialist complex asthma service within the NHS and have extensive experience in the optimisation of inhaled therapies and the assessment and initiation of biologic treatments for severe asthma.

For patients with persistent symptoms, frequent exacerbations or uncertainty regarding diagnosis, careful reassessment is often central to improving long-term control.

Sleep Apnoea and Recurrent Infections

I assess patients with snoring, disrupted sleep and daytime fatigue suggestive of obstructive sleep apnoea, arranging appropriate diagnostic sleep studies where required and guiding treatment decisions in a proportionate and evidence-based manner.

I also manage patients with recurrent chest infections, COPD and pleural conditions, ensuring that underlying causes are identified and long-term strategies are clearly defined.

Background and Experience

I am a Consultant at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and serve as Chief Medical Officer and Responsible Officer at Medefer.

I qualified from University College London and completed specialist respiratory training across major London centres including the Royal Free, Hammersmith, Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals. I also hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Allergy Medicine from Imperial College London.

In 2020 I was awarded an MBE for services to the NHS, recognising work in the development of remote monitoring and virtual ward pathways during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research and Academic Work

I remain actively involved in clinical research and have published in areas including asthma, pleural disease and digital models of care. My work has contributed to national discussions around remote monitoring and post-Covid care.

While research informs my practice, my private work is focused on delivering thorough, individualised care grounded in current evidence.

Qualifications and Training

• MBBS – University College London
• Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Allergy Medicine – Imperial College London