Reducing the barriers caused by chronic respiratory conditions
It was great to see 24 participants recently graduate from a Satellite Pulmonary Rehabilitation program which has given them the skills and knowledge to manage their respiratory
problems and get their lives back. From left, COH Allied Health Assistant Cherryl Bell, graduate Kerry Maree Wyatt and John Laufer, and COH Physiotherapist Stella Just.
For Bellmere resident Kerry Mary Wyatt doing simple things we all enjoy like going out socially with friends was becoming a lot more difficult due to an ongoing chronic respiratory condition.
That has now changed after eight weeks of dedication and hard work, plus some great support through the Satellite Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program being delivered by Community and Oral Health (COH) at the Caboolture GP Super Clinic.
Kerry, is like many people in the Caboolture and surrounding region who suffer from a respiratory disease which affects their lungs, and is making it a lot more difficult for them to maintain their independence and remain active.
“I am very happy with the help I have received. The program has given me more energy and overall I have better general wellbeing,” Kerry said.
“It has pushed me forward to exercise more regularly, and this is making everyday activities like vacuuming a lot easier.”
Kerry, has suffered from a chronic respiratory condition for many years, which more recently has had a big impact on her life and ability to socialise and go out.
As part of COH Satellite Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, she undertook two gym sessions each week over a period of eight weeks at the Caboolture GP Super Clinic participating in a range of exercises including a walking program, resistance training, weights and rowing, and walking tests.
“It’s is easier to exercise with a group who are in a similar situation, it makes you more motivated and committed,” Kerry said.
“The more we do the more chance we have to stay out of hospital and have a better quality of life.”
Kerry is part of a group of 24 locals from across Caboolture and the surrounding region who have recently graduated from the program which also saw additional educational classes delivered with allied health and nursing professionals.
So far more than 100 people across North Brisbane and Moreton Bay have benefited from COH’s Satellite Pulmonary Rehabilitation program.
COH Clinical Nurse Eleanor Thompson said just like Kerry, participants achieved some great outcomes including improved health and wellbeing, mobility, fitness and improved quality of life.
“After eight weeks participants are getting back to activities they love such as dancing, walking, gardening and in Kerry’s case getting out and about more without worrying about her condition,” Mrs Thompson said.
The program is part of a Metro North Hospital and Health Service strategy to reduce the demand on the hospital system by assisting people stay healthier and manage their disease more confidently closer to home.
COH forms part of Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Australia’s largest public health service caring for the community on Brisbane’s north side.
Additional Satellite Pulmonary Rehabilitation programs will be delivered at the Caboolture GP Super Clinic and continue at North Lakes Health Precinct. To be referred to the COH Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program please speak to your GP or specialist.