Pulmonary Rehabilitation - Wollongong Hospital

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is an evidence-based exercise and education program designed for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other chronic lung conditions. The aim of the program is to help people with airways limitations increase their level of activity, confidence in exercise and promote improved independence for the person in the home setting. The program also aims to minimise frequency of hospitalisation and length of hospital stay.

Programs are free and run twice weekly, for 8 weeks in the Wollongong Hospital Physiotherapy Department, Block C, Level 5:

Inclusion Criteria

• Diagnosis of respiratory condition including:

  • COPD
  • Asthma
  • Interstitial Lung Diseases e.g. sarcoidosis, pulmonary fibrosis, asbestosis
  • Pre/post lung transplant
  • Pulmonary Hypertension
  • Candidate for lung reduction surgery

• Motivation to attend program twice weekly for 8 weeks to improve exercise tolerance

• Experience breathlessness in their day to day life

• Stable cardiac function (e.g. AF and angina well controlled)

• Cognitively sound

• Difficulty clearing sputum with chronic lung disease

Assessment

Patients will be contacted by the Physiotherapist/Administrative staff a few weeks prior to course commencement for an assessment. Assessments are completed by a Respiratory Nurse or Physiotherapist.

NOTE: Participants need to be able to attend the program on both days. There are no maintenance programs available.