Respiratory program helped Fred get back on track

Only three months ago Margate resident Fred Bryant couldn’t do many simple things we all take for granted such as mowing the lawn, going for walks, or going up and down stairs.

But, eight weeks on and a lot of hard work in between, plus some great support through the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program being delivered by Community, Indigenous and Subacute Services (CISS) Fred’s transformation has been remarkable.

CISS forms part of Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Australia’s largest public health service caring for the community on Brisbane’s north side.

“I am now walking two to three kilometres a day, and am able to climb up and down the 57 steps at Sutton’s Beach,” Fred said.

“While I am not as fit as I was once was, I am a damn side better.”

Fred, aged 83, is like many elderly people in our community who suffer from a chronic respiratory condition that is making it a lot more difficult for them to maintain their independence and mobility.

“I have experienced some significant respiratory problems over the last 20 years and found myself in and out of specialist clinics – this eight week program has made all the difference.”

As part of CISS’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation program, Fred undertook two gym sessions each week over a period of eight weeks at the Brighton Health Campus participating in a range of exercises including a walking program, resistance training, weights and rowing, and walking tests.

“The support of nurses and physiotherapists has been fantastic – they closely watch what you’re doing and don’t talk over you – they listen and talk to you,” Fred said.

The current program intake, which has included around 30 participants from across North Brisbane, included additional educational classes delivered with allied health and nursing professionals.

Senior Physiotherapist Rebekah Barry said so far more than 60 people in North Brisbane have benefited from CISS’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation program.

“Just like Fred, participants are having some great outcomes including improved health and wellbeing, mobility, fitness and improved quality of life,” Ms Barry said.

“After eight weeks participants are getting back to activities they love such as dancing, walking, gardening and in Fred’s case mowing the lawn.”

CISS Clinical Nurse Louisa Hammerslag said the program aimed to regain independence and confidence, so that participants lead active and healthy lives.

“It 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,” Ms Hammerslag said.

The program is part of a broader group of innovation projects being delivered through the State Government’s Integrated Care Innovation Fund (ICIF).

A further three Pulmonary Rehabilitation programs will be rolled out across Brisbane North in the coming months. For further information please speak to your GP.