Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a supported self-management programme, based in a variety of venues (hospitals, health centres and community/leisure facilities), which aims to support people living with a chronic lung condition to better manage their symptoms. Programmes take place over a 6-week period, usually in small groups. Sessions include an individualised exercise programme where participants exercise at their own pace, and advice on managing breathlessness, chest clearance, using inhalers correctly, wellbeing and nutrition. The programme is run by physiotherapists and occupational therapists supporting people to stay well at home.
- Programmes in Edinburgh City are based at Leith Community Treatment Centre, Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre, Gracemount Medical Centre & Craigmillar Medical Centre.
- Programmes in West Lothian take place in St John’s Hospital, Bathgate Primary Care Centre and Strathbrock Partnership Centre (Broxburn).
- Programmes in East and Midlothian run in East Lothian Community Hospital, Midlothian Community Hospital, Newbattle Medical Practice and Fraser Centre, Tranent.
It is useful to identify which site the patient would prefer.
Who can refer:
Any health professional may refer a patient to the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service.
Who to refer:
- Patients should be willing & motivated to attend an outpatient programme in a small group setting; occasionally this may be offered as a 1:1 programme.
- Patients should be able to participate in a self-management programme (this includes exercise and education).
- Patients should be able to make their own way to the venue and be able to walk independently +/- walking aid.
- Patients must have a confirmed respiratory diagnosis of COPD, Bronchiectasis or Interstitial Lung Disease. For any other lung condition please contact the team to discuss.
- Patients should be clinically stable (see below).
- Patients should have had their medications optimised.
Who not to refer:
- Patients with Asthma are not routinely accepted.
- Patients who have had an MI or significant neurological event in the last 3m.
- Patients with unstable angina, tachycardia or other significant cardiac problems.
- Patients with SBP >180mmHg, DBP >100mmHg or SpO2 <92% at rest.
- No significant orthopaedic, neurological or cognitive/psychiatric impairment restricting their mobility.
How to refer:
Via Sci Gateway (preferred referral method):
Edinburgh referrals – Leith Community Treatment Centre – Pulmonary Rehab
East and Midlothian – Midlothian Community Hospital – Pulmonary Rehab
West Lothian – St John’s Hospital – Pulmonary Rehab – L Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Via post or email (if Sci Gateway not available) including a copy of the completed referral form below:
Via post:
Edinburgh referrals should be sent to:
Lothian Pulmonary Rehabilitation Team
Physiotherapy Department,
Leith Community Treatment Centre,
12 Junction Place,
Leith
EH6 5JA
Tel: 0131 536 6372
East/Midlothian referrals should be sent to:
Lothian Pulmonary Rehabilitation Team
Midlothian Community Hospital
70 Eskbank Road
Bonnyrigg
EH22 3ND
Tel: 07500 765919
West Lothian referrals should be sent to:
Lothian Pulmonary Rehabilitation Team
Physiotherapy Department
St Johns Hospital
Livingston
Tel: 01506 522070
Via e-mail:
E-mailbox address for all areas: ecps.prphysio@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Please inform the patient that they are being referred to pulmonary rehabilitation and provide him/her with an information sheet if possible:
