Breathe easier with help of rehab team
PATIENTS in Skelmersdale with conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are benefitting from a group run by respiratory nurses.
The pulmonary rehab programme, which takes place at The Zone, offers 16 sessions over eight weeks and includes activity bespoke to individual patients, health advice, and talks from health experts.
It is run by Virgin Care, which provides adult community services on behalf of NHS West Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
David Nightingale from Skelmersdale has taken positive action to improve his health with the support of the group and is now spreading the word about its benefits.
He said: “My COPD nurse at the GP surgery said the group might do me good so I thought I’d give it a go and just took it from there.
“When I first walked in, I wondered what it would be like but everyone is so accommodating and after the first session I never looked back.
“The nurses are always with you, ask how you are and have a laugh with you.
“I’ve done weights, started walking more and have even done a jog.
“I have tried things that I would have been too frightened to do before. I feel like I can do things easier now.
“I really wish this group had been here earlier. It has given me confidence and I trust the team completely. I would recommend it to anyone.”
Sandra Bonner, head of specialist nursing at Virgin Care, said: “We’ve seen some great success, helping patients to improve their activity levels, become less anxious and even increase the confidence to go out and gain employment.
“If you live in Skelmersdale, have a respiratory condition and are interested in attending the group, speak to your GP who can make a referral to us.”
Claire Heneghan, chief nurse at NHS West Lancashire CCG, said: “Schemes like this empower patients to have the confidence to take control of their conditions and take the necessary steps to manage and improve their health.
“We would encourage residents living with a respiratory condition such as COPD to join the group.”
To join the Skelmersdale group that meets at The Zone, speak to your GP.
There is also a pulmonary rehab group in Ormskirk Hospital for respiratory patients from all over West Lancashire.
For further information call 01695 656 268 or email soh-tr. pr@nhs.net