If you have a long term lung condition such as COPD, Asthma, Bronchiectasis or Pulmonary Fibrosis you may find yourself more breathless, more tired and find it harder to do your everyday activities.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a programme designed to help improve your fitness, manage your breathlessness and teach you how to manage your condition. Most people who attend want to walk further and feel less breathless.

This programme should be offered to all patients who are affected by their lung condition

What does the programme involve?

The programme is run by specialist respiratory staff and involves an exercise programme tailored to your ability and needs. The exercises are completed at home and in class. Education is offered in various formats on managing your lung condition and coping with breathlessness

The friendly, fun and supportive exercise atmosphere of class allows an opportunity to meet people with the similar conditions. Fitness improvements and increasing confidence are achieved by working alongside trained specialists and other patients.

How will it benefit me?
  • Improves breathlessness and 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 twice weekly. Each session lasts for up to 1hr 30mins. You will be required to complete an additional assessment at the start and end of the programme.

What is required of me?

You must be committed to attend. We understand that there may be times that you have to miss a session but maximum benefit achieved by 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 drinks to keep hydrated
  • Wear comfortable clothes and supportive, flat footwear to exercise
Where do they take place?

The classes take place in a variety of venues across North Cumbria including Whitehaven, Workington, Wigton, Penrith and Carlisle.

What happens when I finish the programme?

It is important that you continue to exercise and keep as active as possible with your home programme or you may be signposted to other ongoing exercise options in your local area to keep you motivated and to continue making improvements

Want to find out more?

East Community Respiratory Team: 01228 602036  

West Community Respiratory Team: 01900 705041   

Acute Respiratory Physiotherapy Team: 01228 814741

Useful information

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F62MkMH_JMs Taskforce for Lung Health Pulmonary video

Community respiratory team COPD film library and other libraries Sound Doctor Education

www.facebook.com/NorthCumbriaRespiratory 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