Pulmonary and Heart Failure Rehabilitation Program

We care for people who have a long-term lung or heart condition including people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema or chronic bronchitis), bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, cystic fibrosis, other lung conditions and heart failure. We also care for people who have lung surgery.

We are specialist physiotherapists who provide you with a comprehensive assessment and personalised plan to improve your breathing, fatigue, physical abilities and quality of life.

We work with a team of medical specialists, nurses and other health professionals, including a psychologist and speech pathologist, to help you better manage your lung and heart condition.

We provide a comprehensive initial assessment with a physiotherapist at the hospital followed by an 8-week supervised exercise training program.  This can occur either in a gymnasium or in a hydrotherapy pool, at home with a physiotherapist, or at home using computer technology. We also provide ongoing exercise groups which you can attend after completing the initial 8-week program, and a social and support group.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to attend the pulmonary and heart failure rehabilitation program? 

No, you do not need a referral from your doctor. You can refer yourself to our program.  A letter explaining your medical history, relevant test results and what medicines you are taking is always helpful.

How do I make an appointment?

If you would like to refer yourself to our program or need to change or cancel an appointment please call 9382 2851. This program is in high demand so there may be a 3-4 month waiting period before you can attend. We will tell you the approximate waiting time when you first contact our staff. 

Can I choose the day and time I attend the hospital for my appointment/s?

Your first appointment time is flexible. However, the exercise programs run on weekdays at set times. 

How often do I need to attend the pulmonary and heart failure rehabilitation program?

If you join the program, you will be expected to participate in exercise training and education sessions twice a week for 8 weeks.

What should I bring

Please wear flat, enclosed shoes and loose comfortable clothing suitable for exercise.

Please bring a list of your current medicines and reading glasses (should you need them) to your first appointment.

Please bring a water bottle.

You are welcome to bring a support person (a relative, friend or carer) with you.

What if I can’t exercise because of my other health conditions?

Our physiotherapists are specialists in prescribing exercise to suit each individual person, and we can modify your exercise program to take into account any other health issues you may have.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment or exercise sessions. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

Lung Foundation Australia