Pulmonary Rehabilitation

What is it?

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a supervised programme of exercise and education, designed for the treatment of people with a long-term lung condition who are troubled by breathlessness. 

Who is it for?

If you have any of the following conditions you may benefit from Pulmonary Rehabilitation:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

• Bronchiectasis

Who and where we are we?

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation services within Wye Valley NHS trust is run by the Physiotherapy team who deliver the Pulmonary Rehab programme to patients throughout Herefordshire.  It is currently based off site at Hinton Community centre (HR2 7RJ). Free parking is available. 

What are the benefits?

Research shows that Pulmonary Rehabilitation can help to improve your fitness and knowledge of your lung condition. Pulmonary Rehab can:

• Help you manage your breathlessness
• Improve your quality of life
• Increase your activity levels
• Build muscle strength
• Improve confidence in managing your condition and reduce infections
• Improve your mental wellbeing – reducing anxiety and depression
• Reduce your risk of going into hospital
• Improve energy levels
• Strengthening bones and improving joint flexibility 

How do I get involved?

You can be referred by your GP, Practice Nurse, Respiratory Nurse, Respiratory Consultant and Allied Health professionals, and meet the inclusion criteria.

You must be registered with a Herefordshire GP and be able to travel to the venue.

Once referred

Once you have been referred an opt in letter will be sent to your home address. 

Please respond with 2 weeks, so that we can add you to the waiting list. If the team do not hear from you we will discharge you from the service and a re-referral will be required.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation programme 

Pre Assessment 

Once accepted an appointment letter will then arrive for you to have a pre-assessment which includes:

• 1:1 assessment with a Specialist Physiotherapist
• Walking assessment to assess current fitness levels  
• Offered a place on the next available course 

The course 

A 6 week programme, held twice a week (so 12 sessions in total).

Each session consists of:

• Exercise- tailored to suit your individual needs

• Education- to improve your knowledge and management of your condition

They are group sessions with approximately 10 to14 participants all with a long-term lung condition.  It provides a friendly and supportive environment in which to exercise and learn.

Topics covered in education

• Introduction to Pulmonary Rehabilitation
• How the lungs work
• Chronic lung conditions
• Managing breathlessness
• Role of exercise
• Home exercise programme
• Managing secretions
• Exacerbations & medications
• Energy conservation
• Wellbeing & lfestyle changes
• Nutrition
• After Pulmonary Rehabilitation 

Post Assessment 

• 1:1 assessment with a Specialist Physiotherapist.
• Re do the walking assessment
• Questionnaire to fill out

Advise and signposting to other services required.

Useful links

Asthma and lung UK    

Singing for Lung Health Hereford

Talk Hereford