Pulmonary rehabilitation is a programme of physical activity and self-management education for people who are living with breathlessness as a result of a chest condition.
What’s involved?
You will be invited to a clinic for an assessment with a physiotherapist to:
- discuss symptoms, challenges, goals
- ensure that the Pulmonary Rehabilitation programme is suitable for you
This assessment can take between 40 and 60 minutes.
You may then be:
- offered to join a class once a week, for 10 weeks
- encouraged to carry out two further exercise sessions per week, at home
The physical activity will be graded to suit you and your breathlessness.
The education sessions within the programme cover many aspects of living your life with a chest condition. You will be supported in managing the condition
If your chest condition means you are physically unable to travel to a class, we can support you to complete a pulmonary rehabilitation programme within your home.
The programme aims to:
- increase your confidence to manage your condition and cope better with your symptoms
- increase your levels of activity
- improve your quality of life
Where are the sessions held?
Sessions run throughout East, North and South Ayrshire in local community and hospital venues.
Who can refer me to the course?
Any health care professional who supports you to manage your chest condition can refer you.
This could include:
- your family doctor (GP)
- practice nurse
- respiratory consultant
- specialist nurse
- pharmacist
The course is popular, so your name will be added to a waiting list. When nearing the top of the waiting list, you will then be invited to call the Respiratory Physiotherapy/Pulmonary Rehabilitation team. The team will offer you an appointment for assessment in a clinic near where you live.
After your assessment, should the class be suitable for you, you will be issued a date and time to start a Pulmonary Rehabilitation class.
What happens next?
Once you have completed the course, we will:
- ensure you have a maintenance exercise programme to continue at home
- invite you to join a follow-up maintenance exercise class that is run by leisure services
- offer you information on other groups that can support you within your local community
We look forward to seeing you.