Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a specially designed group programme for people with breathing problems.

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What is Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a specially designed group programme for people with a chronic respiratory disease. It is suitable for patients with a variety of respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiectasis and pulmonary fibrosis. Each session includes a combination of exercises to increase your muscle strength using bodyweight and hand weights and exercises to increase your stamina such as walking and the static bike. These exercises can be adapted to your ability. We also provide education, helping you to become more in control of your breathing and more active. Our programme is informed by current research and is led by expert healthcare professionals who have received up to date training from the British Thoracic Society.

The pulmonary rehabilitation pathway: 

  1. Referred to Pulmonary Rehab
  2. Telephone assessment with Physiotherapist
  3. Attend for face to face assessment
  4. Attend programme for six weeks (twice weekly)
  5. Complete face to face final assessment
  6. Discharge. Continue to exercise independently

What are the benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

International research and our own classes in Doncaster have shown that Pulmonary Rehabilitation:

  • Reduces breathlessness
  • Reduces admissions to hospital
  • Reduces chest infections / flare ups
  • Increases independence
  • Improves mood and confidence
  • Improves quality of life

How can I be referred?

You will need to be referred by a healthcare professional e.g. GP, Nurse, Physiotherapist

Where can I access Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

In Doncaster there are currently two venues where you can attend Pulmonary Rehabilitation:

  • Doncaster Royal Infirmary
  • Montagu Hospital

How to get here

Pay and display parking is available across the hospital sites. A free Park and Ride shuttle service operates for Doncaster Royal Infirmary. There is also a shuttle service between Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Mexborough Montagu Hospital. Further details are available on our website How to get here – Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals

Hospital transport can be provided for patients meeting the criteria. If patients require any assistance in getting to the hospital, please mark as appropriate on the referral form.

Supporting you to attend

If English is not your first language, NHS interpreting and translating services can be provided.

If you have a hearing impairment, Nottinghamshire Deaf sign language and Royal Institute for the Deaf services are available. Mobile hearing loops are also available.

There is disabled access to both sites, with blue badge parking available and disabled bathrooms. If you require hospital transport, this can be provided.

How long will I attend for?

Group based sessions take place twice a week for six weeks and each session lasts 60-90 minutes.

What happens after I’ve been to Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

We want to help you to maintain the benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation and we will talk to you about how you can do this following your course. You can also see the links below for local groups and other ways to keep active.

Patient testimonials

Patient Testimonials

Here is what our patients have to say:

‘’I recently finished my Pulmonary Rehab course. My breathing and my fitness has improved substantially, it has been really enjoyable. All the people in charge have been fantastic, welcoming and could not do anymore to help me not just physically. My motivation has improved and I have achieved all my targets, all because of the course.’’

‘’I was sceptical about rehab due to my lung condition but after only 6 weeks my breathing has improved no end. I park my car at the bottom of the car park and for the first couple of weeks I was completely out of breath by the time I’d walked up to rehab. After only 4 weeks I noticed I didn’t need my inhaler as soon as I got here. The staff are wonderful and easy to explain to how you’re feeling. They do not try to push you beyond your limits but gently encourage you to go a little further each time but ensure you feel ok to continue.’’

‘’Great group. Really encouraging and in safe friendly environment.”

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to attend the PR and my first appointment was upsetting as it was discovered I had AF so I had to wait 12 months before I could attend PR. At first I was a bit apprehensive to go the PR but I needed to get back in the gym and playing squash again and saw this as a means to my end goal. I had no need to be

apprehensive as Laura and Beth were so welcoming and put my mind at ease and so so positive and supportive not just with me but everyone attending the course. You have given me my confidence back to join a gym and play squash again and thank you so much. Oh and I’m off singing too.”

“I felt nervous during my first week at pulmonary rehab, but I managed to get into a routine and this helped to build my confidence. I found the exercises easy to complete and the staff at pulmonary rehab have been brilliant. they have supported me throughout my time here.”

‘’I have participated in pulmonary rehab for 6 weeks, twice a week for my COPD & breathing. I have found it very informative and supportive and would like to thank all the staff involved on the course.’’

Patient feedback and raising concerns

We involve our patients in every step of our service and are continually gathering feedback to help us improve.

If you would like to raise a concern or complaint and you wish to speak to someone outside of the PR service, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 01302 642764, 01302 642767, or email dbth.pals.dbh@nhs.net. Further information can also be found here: PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service)

Online resources

*We are not responsible for the content on external websites and the inclusion of a link on this webpage is not an endorsement of that website, its content, or any product or service it may provide.

Contact information

If you have already been referred and have a query about your appointment please contact us on 01709 649190 between 8-4pm Monday to Friday.

Referral information for Healthcare Professionals

Access referral information here.

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