Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a programme designed to help people with long term lung conditions improve their fitness, manage their breathlessness and increase confidence in everyday activities.
The programme combines exercise and education helping you too:
- Improve your physical fitness and strength
- Reduce the impact of breathlessness on daily life
- Learn techniques to manage your symptoms
- Increase your confidence and independence
- Improve your health and wellbeing
Pulmonary Rehabilitation is recommended for many people living with chronic lung conditions and is delivered by a team of healthcare professionals.
Who can attend?
You may be eligible for Pulmonary Rehabilitation if you:
- Have a Bolton GP
- Be over 18 years old
- Have a diagnosed long term lung condition such as COPD, Bronchiectasis or Interstitial Lung Disease
- Experience breathlessness during everyday activities
- Are medically stable and able to participate in a group exercise programme
If you are unsure whether pulmonary rehabilitation is suitable for you, please contact the team to discuss your individual circumstances.
What to Expect
Initial Assessment
Before the programme starts, you'll receive a phone call from our team to discuss your health, symptoms, and goals.
You'll then be invited to an in-person assessment at Bolton One Health Centre. Before attending, you'll be sent questionnaires to complete and bring with you.
At your appointment, we will:
- Talk in more detail about your health and goals
- Carry out a walking test to assess your fitness
- Check your strength
This helps us tailor the programme to your needs.
6-Week Programme
The programme runs twice a week for 6 weeks in a supportive group setting. It includes:
- Supervised exercise tailored to your ability
- Education on lung health and managing symptoms
- Advice on breathing techniques, physical activity, and healthy living
- Support from a specialist team, including physiotherapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals
We'll help you build confidence and exercise safely throughout.
Final Assessment
At the end of the programme, you'll be invited for a final review where we will:
- Repeat your walking and strength tests
- Review your progress
- Provide advice on staying active long term
This helps you see how far you've come and plan your next steps.
Referral
You can be referred to pulmonary rehabilitation by any healthcare professional involved in your care. This includes community-based professionals such as:
- GPs
- Practice nurses
- Community respiratory teams
Referrals are also accepted from secondary care services, including:
- Respiratory outpatient clinics
- Hospital consultants
- Respiratory nurses
- Following a hospital admission for a respiratory condition
If you think pulmonary rehabilitation could benefit you, speak to a member of your healthcare team. They will be able to advise you and arrange a referral if appropriate.