Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is one of the main treatments for those who have a chronic lung condition (including COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, ILD) or heart failure, resulting in breathlessness with activities of daily living. 

PR is an 8-week programme including tailored exercises to improve your fitness and strength, and an education programme, designed to empower you to better manage your lung condition. 

Benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation

• Reduced likelihood of frequent hospital admission and infection episodes
• improved walking distance and general strength
• improved ability to reduce and manage breathlessness
• increased feeling of well-being and health-related quality of life
• increased self-confidence, knowledge, and ability to manage your condition.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusions

• aged 18+
• registered with Barnet GP
• have a diagnosis of:
  • COPD
  • chronic asthma
  • bronchiectasis
  • interstitial lung disease
• functionally limited by breathlessness (MRC dyspnoea grade 3 or 4)
• willingness to participate
• medically stable

Exclusions

• a medical condition that restricts exercise & mobility
• recent MI (<6 weeks of referral)
• unstable angina
• not motivated to attend regularly (all sessions or undertake home exercise plan)
• significant aortic aneurysm or stenosis (if know)
• hypertension (systolic >160mmHg, diastolic >100mmHg)
• other serious medical condition/cognitive impairment that restricts ability to participate

How to Refer

Patients can be referred by their GP, a consultant or a healthcare professional.

Locations

Finchley Memorial Hospital

Edgware Community Hospital

East Barnet Health Centre