Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is a programme of exercise and education designed for people with chronic lung conditions who experience symptoms of breathlessness.
A PR course typically lasts six weeks, with two sessions of around one and a half hours each week, and includes an individually prescribed exercise and education programme.
Benefits of PR
Evidence shows that accessing PR improves people’s ability to walk further, helps them feel less tired and breathless when carrying out day-to-day activities.
90 per cent of patients who complete a PR programme have higher activity and exercise levels and report an improved quality of life.
PR has been shown to support better self-management and reduction in flare-ups, reduction in GP appointments and a reduction in hospital admissions.
How to get referred
If you have been diagnosed with a chronic lung condition — such as COPD, bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, or other similar conditions — you can speak to your GP, practice nurse, or respiratory specialist to find out whether a referral to our programme would benefit you.
What to expect after you are referred
Once your referral has been received it will be reviewed by one of our clinical staff. If accepted, you will be offered an assessment over the telephone with one of our respiratory physiotherapists or nurses. We will discuss your symptoms, medication, medical history and the day-to-day impact of your breathing issues. The options for pulmonary rehabilitation will be discussed and we will plan the next steps with you.
Our classes
| Venue | Days | Group times |
| Bridport Community Hospital DT6 5DR | This group runs approximately twice a year. Please contact our team for information of when the next course is planned. | |
| Dorchester St Mary’s Church Hall, DT1 2HJ | Monday and Wednesday | 10.30am |
| Portland Community Hospital DT5 1AX | Tuesday and Friday | 2pm |
| Wareham Masonic Hall, BH20 4HU | Monday and Thursday | 10.30am |
| Weymouth Weymouth Bay Methodist Church, DT4 7TH | Tuesday and Friday | 10am |
We also work in collaboration with Dorset Healthcare who provide PR in the following venues:
| Venue | Days | Group times |
| Boscombe Vale Lodge, BH1 3SY | Wednesday and Friday | 11am |
| Kinson Kinson Community Centre, BH10 7LH | Monday and Wednesday | 10am |
| Sturminster Newton The Exchange, DT10 1FH | Tuesday and Friday | 10.45am |
| Poole Bourne Community Hub, BH12 4DY | Tuesday and Thursday | 11am |
What happens during the class?
The class is led by a respiratory specialist physiotherapist or nurse, with input from other healthcare professionals. Each class will include a warm-up, exercises and a cool-down. Everyone exercises at a different level depending on their ability.
You will get out of breath when you exercise, but this is part of your rehabilitation. You will be monitored carefully and never be asked to do more than you can safely manage.
The sessions also include a discussion or a talk on a topic relevant to your condition.
Topics
- Managing your Breathlessness
- Why Exercise is Important
- Chest Clearance
- Lung Anatomy
- Lung Conditions
- Inhalers
- Management of flare-ups
- Energy Conservation
- Nutrition in COPD
- Health and Wellbeing
- Hints and Tips.
Contact details
Tel: 01305 255203
Email: pulmonaryrehab@dchft.nhs.uk