Who is this for?
If you have a long-term lung condition such as:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Asthma
- Bronchiectasis
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
It may also be used to help improve fitness before or after Lung Surgery.
These conditions may mean you may find yourself:
- more breathless
- more tired
- find it harder to do your everyday activities
What are Better Breathing Classes?
A programme designed to:
- help improve your fitness
- manage your breathlessness
- teach you how to manage your condition
Patients who attend generally want to walk further and feel less breathless.
This programme is offered to people who are affected by their lung condition
What does the programme involve?
The programme is run by specialist staff. It involves an exercise programme individual to you and suited to your ability and needs. The exercises are completed at home and in class. Education is offered in managing your lung condition and coping with symptoms.
The friendly, fun and supportive exercise atmosphere of class will give you chance to meet people with similar conditions. Fitness improvements and increasing confidence are achieved by working with trained specialists alongside other patients.
How will it benefit me?
- Improves breathlessness
- Will help control other symptoms of your condition
- Improves fitness and overall general health to allow you to do more
- Improve your ability to carry out activities important to you
- Help you learn more about your condition
How long does the programme last?
It is a 7-week programme involving attendance 2 times per week. Each session lasts for up to 1 hour 30 minutes. You will need to complete an additional assessment at the start and end of the programme.
What do I need to do?
You must be committed to attend. We understand that there may be times that you have to miss a session. The best results come from attending as many classes as you can.
You may need to bring:
- Glasses for reading
- Reliever inhaler and GTN Spray if you have one
- A drink to keep hydrated
- Wear comfortable clothes
- Wear supportive, flat footwear
Where do they take place?
The classes take place in Whitehaven, Workington, Wigton, Penrith and Carlisle.
What happens when I finish the programme?
It is important that you keep exercising long term. You should keep as active as possible with your home exercise plan. You will be advised on other ongoing exercise choices in your local area to keep you motivated. You should also follow your self-management plan specific to you and your condition.
What if I cannot manage to access the programme venue?
Hospital transport is available at all class and clinic areas to help with access.
You must be able to attend for a walk test assessment at a venue before and after completing any home-based Better Breathing programme. This may be provided in the form of an individualised exercise booklet or manual with telephone support from the team.
Simple information and advice on what you can do to exercise if you cannot meet the demands of the Better Breathing options can be provided.
NCIC Community Respiratory Page North Cumbria Respiratory Facebook Page
Confidentiality
‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.
For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:
Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:
pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818
If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:
complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302