Norfolk Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service

Sessions are led by our pulmonary rehabilitation team who are there to help encourage individuals to progress and achieve manageable goals and provide education to promote self-management of their condition. The programme also offers an opportunity for support from others living with long-term respiratory conditions.  

Face-to-face programmes are held at two venues in Norfolk. The service is run by a multi-disciplinary team including respiratory physiotherapists, respiratory nurses, occupational therapists and technical instructors. There are other programme options available such as a virtual programme (held online) and a home-based and app-based programme, although we encourage attendance at a face-to-face programme where possible.

Each course consists of a pre-course assessment, 6 consecutive 2-hour sessions twice a week for up to 12 people and a final discharge assessment. Patients are given an individual exercise programme to continue at home and lung health education in a group as well as individual advice.

Topics covered:   

• Introduction to pulmonary rehabilitation
• All about the lungs - how do your lungs work?
• Managing breathlessness
• Changing health behaviours
• Getting the best from your respiratory medications
• Managing exacerbations and chest clearance
• Wellbeing and relaxation
• Energy conservation
• What to do when your breathing gets worse, self-management advice
• Healthy eating
• Social connections
• Community support and benefits
• Maintaining fitness after the programme
• Exercise and educational resources