A new lung disease rehab service aims to save lives and cut down on the numbers of sufferers needing hospital treatment .
A rehabilitation hub at the Stornoway hospital hopes to help half the 400 islanders affected by lung problems with exercise and advice sessions. It will have telehealth links to NHS Tayside and satellite services may be be introduced in Uists and Barra later.
Rehabilitation physiotherapist Allison Martin explained: “The programme takes place
over eight weeks, and consists of two one-
“The exercise programme is tailored to each client’s individual needs to improve symptoms and quality of life and help individuals to self manage their disease as effectively as possible.”
Exercise classes start with stretches and a ‘warm up’, followed by light exercises in a ‘circuit’ format to help develop functional exercise capacity, improve health status, and reduce breathlessness. The educational element is provided by a variety of professionals who are specialists in their area. Feedback to date has been very positive.
Cameron MacLeay, who recently started the programme, said: “So far it’s been very good. It’s a very balanced programme and they have it very well worked out. I’m still at a very early stage in the programme but I think it’s going to be worthwhile.”
Lung disease rehab service is launched 10/7/11
Cameron Macleay, who is on the programme, is watched by nurse Pauline Morrison and physiotherapist Allison Martin.