Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit,
St Conal’s Hospital,
Letterkenny, Co.Donegal.
THE
PULMONARY REHABILITATION
PROGRAMME
What if I do not want to attend the programme?
Please let us know if you do not plan to attend the assessment clinic so that another person can avail of this appointment.
Even if you are not planning to attend the classes it may be beneficial to have a respiratory assessment and be offered advice on how to manage your lung condition.
If you need more information or have any questions
Please contact the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department
Telephone: 074 9104494
(Answer machine available)
Who will be there during the classes?
A Specialist Respiratory Physiotherapist and Respiratory Nurse Specialist run the classes.
Within the class there will be 8-10 people with similar breathing problems as you.
.
What are quality of life changes?
Following the education components of the pulmonary rehabilitation programme it is hoped you will make some modifications to your lifestyle. These may include simple measures such as looking at your diet, increasing your activity/exercise level or considering reducing or stopping smoking if you are a smoker.
What is Pulmonary Rehabilitation?
Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a programme of education and exercise classes
The aim of the programme is to:
- Increase your knowledge and understanding of your lung condition.
- To increase your confidence and ability to cope with shortness of breath.
- To increase your strength and ability to walk.
- To increase your quality of life.
- To help reduce risk of hospital admissions.
Why me?
It is a programme specifically designed for people with chronic lung disease
What happens next?
You will be sent an appointment to attend an assessment clinic.
A Respiratory Nurse and/orRespiratory Physiotherapist will assess you on an individual basis. The assessment may consist of breathing tests, blood test, Heart tracing (ECG), walking test, assessment of lower limb strength,and a balance assessment.
We will also ask you questions that will give us a better picture how your lung condition affects you in your daily life.
When do I start?
After assessment your name will be placed on a waiting list to commence the next available programme in your area.
Where is it held?
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation classes are held twice a week in the following locations:
St Conal's Hospital, Letterkenny.
Inver Community Centre
Ionad Naomh Padraig, Dore
Sliabh Sneacht Centre, Dumfries
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme runs for 8 weeks and you will be expected to attend twice a week. The classes last for 1 ½ hours.
In the class you will be taught exercises to help to increase your flexibility, strengthen your muscles and improve your overall fitness level. All the exercises can be changed and adapted to suit you as an individual. The exercises you are taught, you will be expected to continue with at home on finishing the programme. By continuing the exercises at home you will maintain the benefits you achieved by attending the classes.
At assessment andduring the classeswe will be able to discuss your lung condition and teach you how to manage it. We will review your respiratory medications and make sure you can use them correctly.