NHS teams across Dorset are shining a spotlight on the free pulmonary rehabilitation courses available locally, designed to help people with long‑term lung conditions breathe more easily, build strength, and regain confidence in everyday life.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a six‑week programme for people living with conditions such as COPD, chronic asthma, bronchiectasis, or interstitial lung disease who experience breathlessness during daily activities.
Delivered by specialist NHS teams, the course combines tailored exercise with practical education to help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Local resident Jo Cheeseman, who completed the programme last year, encourages others to take part: "Such a welcoming, knowledgeable, and professional team who gave me more confidence to exercise and build strength. Thank you."
Claire Peak, Highly Specialist Physiotherapist at Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, leads the service. She said: "We want to help people living with long‑term lung diseases to live full and healthy lives. Pulmonary rehabilitation gives people simple, effective advice so they can understand their condition better.
"We know these sessions can reduce hospital admissions by half. Nine out of ten people tell us they feel better after completing the course, and it's a great opportunity to meet others who understand what it's like to live with a lung condition.
"We run classes regularly, and anyone who thinks they might benefit can ask their respiratory nurse or GP surgery for a referral."
Courses are held across Dorset, including Dorchester, Weymouth, Portland, Bridport, Wareham, Poole, Boscombe, Kinson, and Sturminster Newton.
Patients consistently report feeling more confident and informed after attending. One participant said, "I feel more confident now. I understand my condition and I know how to help myself." Another added, "I was scared to move before. Now I know it's safe to keep active, and I feel more positive."
People with lung conditions such as COPD or chronic asthma who are limited by day‑to‑day breathlessness are encouraged to speak to their respiratory nurse or GP practice about a referral to pulmonary rehabilitation.
Claire added: "Everyone has an assessment before starting the course, and we continue to support people afterwards to help them stay well. If you think you might benefit, please ask at your surgery."
For more information, visit the Pulmonary Rehabilitation webpage: www.dchft.nhs.uk/service/pulmonary-rehabilitation/
