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What is it?
Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a 6 week course which involves twice weekly exercise and education sessions and a home exercise programme. This is run by the AIR team (Adult Integrated Respiratory team)
Why Pulmonary Rehabilitation?
If you have a confirmed diagnosis of a long term lung condition and the symptoms of this (normally breathlessness) are affecting your daily activities, you are eligible to be referred to Pulmonary Rehabilitation by your Health Care Professional.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation aims to improve lung health, reduce symptoms, improve function and help you manage your condition better.
Where, When, What?
We offer Pulmonary Rehabilitation in the form of face to face group classes.
These classes take place at 4 venues across East Berkshire:
- The Open Learning Centre, Bracknell, RG12 7GR (Tues 10-12 and Fri 14:30-15:30)
- Woodlands Park Village Centre, Maidenhead, SL6 3GW (Wed 14:30-16:30 and Fri 14:00-15:00)
- 1st Britwell Scout Hall, Slough, SL2 1RD (Tues 14:30-15:30 and Thurs 13:30-15:30)
- 12th Windsor Scout Hall, Windsor, SL4 5EY (Mon 10-12 and Wed 14:30-15:30)
All Venues have free parking and provide disabled access. They are also situated on excellent public transport links. We can provide information on local volunteer driver services if required.
A home programme is available for housebound patients.
The education sessions (designed to cover a range of self management strategies) are run by a variety of respiratory specialists including physiotherapists, nurses and psychologists. All 6 topics have an accompanying information leaflet and video.
Exercise?!
We understand it can be challenging to exercise when you are breathless, particularly if you haven’t exercised for a while. During Pulmonary Rehabilitation you will exercise to a level you are comfortable with and encouraged to pace yourself. You will be encouraged to exercise to a point where you become controllably breathless. You will be taught good breathing techniques. This means your body will be pushed enough to improve but only to a level that you are comfortable with.
Why should I participate?
Evidence shows that Pulmonary Rehabilitation is very effective in improving quality of life in people with respiratory conditions. It helps to improve your fitness and helps you to feel less breathless doing your daily activities. It can also improve confidence, reduce ‘flare ups’ of your lung condition and improve energy levels. Completing the course can help prevent hospital admissions and fast track recovery. Pulmonary Rehabilitation is fun and there is constant support available from friendly qualified specialists.
What happens now?
Once we have received a referral from your Health Care Professional we will send you a letter asking you to contact our team. If you are interested in attending, we will add you to the waiting list and contact you when an appointment is available.
The assessment appointment is a chance for you to ask questions, and for us to gather more information about you.
You will perform two, simple exercise tests so that we can get a measure of your baseline fitness.
Please have a look at our web page (Scan the QR code below or Google ‘FAIR FHFT’) and call us with any questions on 0300 614 6469
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Respiratory medicine service.
About this information
Service:
Respiratory medicine
Reference:
W/027
Approval date:
28 March 2025
Review date:
1 June 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.