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Pulmonary rehabilitation programme

Read our guide below about our pulmonary rehabilitation programme. It does not replace individual advice from a healthcare professional.

You can also download a PDF version of this patient information by following the link on the right.

What is the pulmonary rehabilitation programme?

It’s a treatment programme for people with chronic lung disease.

If you have symptoms such as breathlessness, cough and fatigue you’ll benefit from attending.

The programme involves a series of classes or sessions which include:

The class offers:

  • support from specialist nurses and physiotherapists
  • advice on managing your breathlessness
  • an exercise programme individually designed for you
  • an education package to help you self manage your condition
  • opportunities to meet others who also have a lung condition.

What are the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation?

It will help increase your  confidence to exercise and gradually increases your fitness levels.

Over time, you should become less breathless when completing daily activities. This includes walking, going upstairs, shopping and getting dressed.

You should also feel less tired, be able to manage your breathing and have more control over how you feel.

How do I join the programme?

One of our nurses or physiotherapists will assess you. It usually takes about an hour. We’ll then offer you a venue for your class.

How often do classess/sessions run?

They run twice a week for 6 weeks or 12 sessions at local venues around Buckinghamshire. We also offer virtual classes. Each class will last around 1 hour 30 minutes consisting of two parts, education and exercise.

We give you a diary of exercises to do at home.

What does the education part of the class involve?

It helps you to understand your condition better. Topics include:

  • how the lungs work
  • breathing techniques
  • advice on inhalers
  • benefits of exercise
  • advice on your diet
  • coping with lung disease
  • advice on how to stop smoking
  • how to manage stress
  • exercise at home.

When you start your pulmonary rehabilitation programme, you’ll get a course booklet, home exercises and an exercise diary. You can add new information to your pack after each class.

Where do the classes take place

You can choose between morning or afternoon classes at:

  • Cressex Community Centre
  • Prebendal Farm Community Centre
  • Marlow Hospital
  • Thame Hospital
  • Chalfont St Peters Community Centre
  • Winslow Bowls Club.

Do you provide transport to clasees?

Unfortunately, we can not provide transport to and from classes.

If you can not travel to our classes, call the Pulmonary Rehabilitation team on 01296 255670. We can make alternative arrangements so so you can take part from home or virtually.

About our patient information pages and leaflets

This patient advice page is intended as general information only. We aim to make the information as up to date and accurate as possible, but please note that it is subject to change. Check specific advice on any concerns you may have with your doctor.