"Respiratory Rehabilitation Class and amazing nurses"

FVRH Respiratory Rehabilitation Class - Block of 12 classes (2 per week / 6 weeks)

I was given the opportunity to attend a Rehabilitation Class locally at the local sports complex run by members of the Respiratory Nursing Team.  

An initial pre-assessment was arranged to discuss the contents of the class and also assessment of my health on that day.  There is also a post-assessment after the 6 weeks to compare measurements / display improvements.

The class programme was a 1 hour fitness / exercise session, followed by an education and Q/A section for 30 minutes, then another class of attendees had their 1 hour fitness session.

As part of the Education and Q/A section, various NHS staff gave presentations of how they contribute to making a difference for respiratory patients; be it accessing easier prescribing, diet, breathing techniques, home exercise programmes, introduction to gym facilities etc. as well as support for any queries which were raised.

A wholly successful part of this Rehabilitation Class which would not be the success it is are the Respiratory Nurses who organised and managed the 6 week programme.  These nurses were on hand during classes, helping with techniques, monitoring effort and making sure everyone was working at a pace which was suitable and also giving support, answering any queries or worries without hesitation.  Their support was invaluable.  I also witnessed these nurses helping with an attendee who was unwell during class.

On the final class of the block the nurses arranged an informal chat with treats allowing both classes to chat and socialise, such a lovely gesture.

I feel I am very lucky to have been selected, I would certainly sign up for a further block of classes same time this year as I found the support network these nurses provided, being around other people with unfortunately similar conditions most helpful, I think we all felt that and this event has gone a long way to improving my health condition.