Respiratory - Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service

General introduction

Pulmonary rehabilitation is an activity-based programme for people with a diagnosed chronic lung disease. It combines individually prescribed exercises and an education component.

The service works with people who are experiencing breathlessness due to an underlying diagnosed chronic lung disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), fibrosis, bronchiectasis or who are pre or post-lung surgery.

Once a referral is received telephone contact will be made to discuss the programme, underlying medical problems and to assess suitability for the programme.

Following this initial contact a face-to-face assessment appointment with a team member will be arranged, if appropriate.

At the initial face-to-face assessment appointment, the team will look at mobility, balance, walking distances, breathlessness and complete questionnaires specific to lung diseases to help understand how individuals are affected. 

A suitable plan of treatment will then be agreed together which will include suitable activity / exercise advice and education to support people to manage their condition.

Everyone completing a pulmonary rehabiltitation course will attend a discharge appointment following treatment.

Pulmonary rehabilitation group sessions

Rehabilitation will normally be undertaken within a group setting. Alternative arrangements can be made if required.

Groups run over a six week period and typical sessions last one hour and 30 minutes. Patients will attend up to twice a week.