Breathe better - do more (Pulmonary Rehabilitation after a hospital stay)

Patient Information Leaflet

Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) after a hospital stay

• This leaflet is for people who have recently had a flare-up of their lung condition and have been in hospital.

• It explains what the 'Breathe better, do more' PR programme is and how it can support your recovery.

• Coming home from hospital can feel like a relief, but also uncertain.

• You might be wondering how long recovery will take, what will happen, and how to feel more like yourself again?

• PR is the next step to help you regain your strength and confidence.

Why does this matter after a flare-up?

• A flare-up (also called an exacerbation) is when your lung condition suddenly becomes worse.
• Even after treatment, your body may feel weaker and daily tasks can feel harder.
• Starting this programme within four weeks of leaving the hospital can help you recover faster and stop you from needing to go back.

How can it help?

• We will work with you to help you feel more confident in managing your breathlessness.
• You will learn to notice the warning signs of a flare-up, so you can get help quickly.
• We will share practical tips for managing your energy levels while you are recovering.

Scan to watch a video about PR: Pulmonary Rehabilitation in north east London - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8nctAF6Kg8

What is 'Breathe better, do more'?

It is a free group exercise programme that is tailored to help people manage their lung condition and feel more confident every day.

• You will be supported by specialist physiotherapists who run the programme, with help from specialist nurses.
• You will have a full assessment before you start. This helps make the programme fit your needs and deals with any of your concerns.
• In this time, we will work with you to plan the sessions to suit your goals and your ability.
• It focuses on your whole wellbeing, not just your lungs. The goal is to help you feel safer, stronger, and more in control of your health.
• The free programme is for six weeks, two sessions a week and each session last for 90 minutes.
• The team can discuss what works best for you based on any other commitments you may have.
• You will also hear advice and tips from professionals and others in the group about living well with a lung condition.
• Many people feel unsure about joining a group, but they often leave feeling more hopeful, stronger, and understood.

Where and when?

Whittington Hospital Magdala Avenue, London, N19 5NF
Tel: 020 7272 3070
Bus Routes: 143, 210,263, 310, W5

Hornsey Central 151 Park Road, London, N8 8JD
Tel: 020 3074 2799
Bus Routes: W7

Next steps

• Speak to the Respiratory Team (Doctor, Nurse or Physiotherapist) about:

  • Any concerns or queries you may have in taking part.

  • Getting referred to the programme.

Get this information in other languages

(692)1 Italiano, Polski, Af-Soomaali) This link will take you to our PR web page, which has the option to automatically translate into different languages:

For more information visit: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) I Asthma + Lung UK

Contact our service

Call us: 0203 074 2563 or email: whh-tr.pulmonaryrehab@nhs.net