NHS Lothian physios promote pulmonary rehab

^{Pulmonary rehab physiotherapist Emma Dignan helps one of the participants taking part in the treadmill challenge}

The event saw nine patients who had previously attended pulmonary rehab at St John’s Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian take part in an organised treadmill walk.

Physiotherapist Emma Dignan from the pulmonary rehab team at St John’s Hospital, told Frontline: ‘We held the event at our local leisure centre and between them they walked 30km over a two-hour period.

‘We are very proud of our patients’ achievements and this has been a real boost to promote what they can achieve after completing pulmonary rehab.’

As well as Ms Dignan, the team includes assistant practitioner Sarah Lindsay, physiotherapist Catriona Peacock and assistant practitioner Gayle Wilson, who came up with the idea for the event.

^{The pulmonary rehab team from NHS Lothian's St John’s Hospital with the nine pulmonary rehab patients who took part in the event}

The team plan to put details of the event on a poster to display at respiratory clinics and GP practices to highlight the benefits of physio-led pulmonary rehabilitation.

‘Information about the day is also being shared with the charity Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland for use on social media,’ said Ms Dignan.

Positive feedback

People who complete pulmonary rehab with the team are encouraged to continue with activity. Many of them make use of the service’s partnership with the local Xcite West Lothian leisure centre, using the gym and attending maintenance classes.

The nine people who took part in the treadmill walk provided positive feedback about the event. One said: ‘I was very surprised by what I was capable of. Pulmonary rehab has totally changed my perspective and I now have a new lease of life.’

Another told the team, the day had showed that ‘with exercise and education the condition can be managed more easily.’

Author: Robert Millett