Ill patients hail exercise rehab a success

3:06pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

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SERIOUSLY ill lung patients have hailed a new exercise rehabilitation programme at the Royal Bolton Hospital a massive success.

The 10-week scheme, costing health bosses £177,000, has seen people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease given advice, support and exercise sessions in a bid to keep them fit for longer and improve their quality of life.

COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is caused by smoking in 90 per cent of cases.

It is the first time a rehab scheme for such patients has been run at the hospital and 180 people with the condition will go on the course.

Patients undertake gentle exercise like step-ups, wall pushes and arm lifts.

When Bill Hepburn, from Westhoughton, started the rehab programme he had to stop and rest several times just walking from the hospital car park to the ward where the sessions are held.

But yesterday he said: "The programme has given me the confidence to do some exercise. Now I know I can do it I'm going to keep going at home."

Julie Inman, aged 50, of Johnson Fold, added: "I've made a 70 per cent improvement since the start of the programme. I'm looking forward to being able to walk my two dogs for the first time in two years. I've never taken one of them for a walk before."

Beryl Thompson, aged 71, from Atherton, has suffered from lung disease for almost 50 years.

She said: "Now I can breathe a lot better and I understand my condition a lot better. It gets 11 out of ten from me."

Bolton Primary Care Trust decided to fund the scheme, after campaigning by Bolton Respiratory Support Group chairman and emphysema sufferer Keith Orton. It will be reviewed in 12 months time.

Patients meet every Tuesday and Thursday for exercise and education about their illness. Doctors explain their condition and how it can be treated.

Patients also receive anxiety and depression management lessons and get advice from dieticians, physiotherapists, stop smoking advisors and occupational therapists.