Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services

• Reduce sensation of breathlessness

• Increase muscle strength and fitness

• Reduce anxiety and depression

• Increase confidence to manage your lung condition

• Relaxation and energy conservation.

After Pulmonary Rehabilitation you should feel less breathless and feel you have more control and understanding of your condition.

The GOLD standard is the face to face programme but we do have alternative models if you are unable to engage with this, in agreement with your physiotherapist. 

All patients will be expected to attend assessment  before and after the programme at a clinic.

1. The Face to Face programme runs over 6 consecutive weeks. Programmes run from community hospitals and venues. There will be 2 sessions per week lasting approximately 2 hours. These will be small groups of patients with lung conditions.
2. The Home based programme is a structured programme whereby you will receive a weekly agreed telephone call to discuss your exercise progress and the educational material provided in an accessible format.
3. The Virtual programme runs over 6 consecutive weeks on Microsoft Teams. There will be weekly online sessions lasting approximately 2 hours. You will need access to the internet and a computer, laptop or tablet with a camera and microphone facilities.

• Your GP or other health professional will have referred you to the Pulmonary Rehabilitation service. You can also refer yourself by getting in touch with us
• You will attend a pre-assessment and undertake a walking test at a clinical setting prior to joining the programme. This will tell us if pulmonary rehabilitation will be of benefit
• If accepted on to the course an individualised exercise programme with personal goal setting will be agreed
• Patients are expected to do some walking training and some simple exercises at home. This is to help you get the most benefit from the programme (guidance will be provided).

Following the six-week programme we encourage you to maintain your levels of fitness. We aim to refer you on to a local leisure centre or alternative activity that suits you.

When attending pulmonary rehabilitation please wear loose fitting clothing and sensible shoes – ideally trainers, no sandals or heels. Please bring the following:

• Reliever inhaler
• A drink i.e. water/squash
• Reading glasses/hearing aids if needed
• Oxygen therapy if prescribed
• GTN spray if prescribed
• Walking aid if required
• If diabetic please bring a snack.

How can exercise improve my breathlessness?

The fitter you are the less breathless you will be. Your confidence will improve as you learn techniques and coping strategies to manage your breathlessness better. This can help with your activities of daily living e.g. showering/stair climbing.

What to expect at assessment

We aim to do an initial telephone call to discuss your medical history, symptoms, concerns and goals.

You will then attend a face to face assessment in clinic which includes carrying out a simple walking test.

If appropriate you will then be offered a start date on a programme.

How often do I need to attend?

All patients will be expected to attend assessment before and after the programme at a clinic.

Our programmes run over six consecutive weeks and there are two sessions per week.

What can I expect from a session?

Education

The education covers a range of topics, including:

• Breathing techniques
• Airway/chest clearance
• The benefits of exercise and maintenance
• Recognising and managing flare ups (exacerbations)
• Inhalers and other medication
• Advice on diet and nutrition
• Healthy lifestyles
• Energy conservation
• Mood, stress & health
• Travel and your lung condition
• Tai Chi
• Benefit entitlements

Exercise

We understand that the idea of exercising if you are breathless may seem strange. It might even feel frightening but evidence shows that undertaking pulmonary rehabilitation improves your ability to exercise.

Pulmonary rehabilitation should help you feel stronger and fitter. As the programme goes on you should be able to:

• Start walking further
• Feel less breathless doing day-to-day activities.

At all times you will be supervised and supported by staff experienced in helping people exercise.

How can I access the service?

You will usually be referred by a healthcare professional. They will be able to tell you about how the programme works and how it will help you.

We also welcome self-referrals. We will need to obtain your medical history before accepting you on the programme.

What are your current waiting times?

Whilst we are planned care and do work within national waiting time targets, waiting times can vary.  Please discuss this with our admin team by phone or email.

What if I am too breathless to leave home? Do you offer home visits?

We have to do our assessments face to face in a clinical setting for pulmonary rehabilitation. If this is not possible to attend an assessment our Respiratory Nurse and Physiotherapy teams can offer home visits if you are housebound for 1:1 advice. You can talk about this with our Admin team.

Can I bring my relative/carer with me?

Yes this is encouraged but can vary depending on venue and group size.

Do you offer weekend appointments/sessions?

Unfortunately not at this stage. Our working hours are Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00, excluding bank holidays.

How do I make a referral?

GPs and other health professionals can complete this referral form:

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation

The referral form can be sent via secured email to DCHST.Respiratory@nhs.net

You can also complete these referrals using the E-referral service on SystmOne.

What are your current waiting times?

Whilst we are planned care and do work within national waiting time targets, waiting times can vary. Please discuss this with our admin team by phone or email.

Do you consider urgent referrals?

We can only respond to urgent referrals when the patient is classed as Fast Track (see referral form for criteria) or is being considered for lung surgery.