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Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service

We offer a programme of exercise for people with moderate to severe lung disease to help them manage their condition.

Contact us

Admin Team
Whitstable and Tankerton Hospital
01227 594657
kcht.pulmonaryrehab@nhs.net

Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.

Who we are

We are highly experienced chartered physiotherapists, specialist rehabilitation assistants and respiratory counsellors.

What we do

We cover Ashford, Canterbury, south Kent Coast and Thanet in east Kent and Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley.

Our pulmonary rehabilitation programmes are held at local venues, such as church halls or community centres.

We have close working relationships with respiratory nurses, community-based long-term conditions and intermediate care teams, acute hospital respiratory physicians and physiotherapists, practice nurses and GPs.

To support achieving long-term self-management, we link with agencies in the community, such as singing groups, health trainers and Breathe Easy support groups.

We offer a tailored programme of exercise for people with moderate to severe lung disease, which aims to improve exercise tolerance, reduce symptoms and a patient’s disability. The idea is to improve a person’s quality of life and help them manage their condition.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is an evidence-based treatment for specific chronic respiratory diseases. It includes exercise and extensive education that is open to patients, as well as partners and carers.

Each patient has an assessment with a specialist Respiratory Physiotherapist to make sure they are suitable and willing to attend a pulmonary rehabilitation programme.

Pulmonary rehabilitation consists of two supervised exercise and education sessions each week for six weeks, with a tailored self-management programme.

How do you use this service?

You need to be referred by your GP or a healthcare professional.

Your comments

April 2023
Gravesham

Staff are appraochable, very reassuring with exercises and breathing technique. Most of all they made me feel valued.

April 2023
Whitstable

Instructors cheerful, helped you understand your condition and what you could do to help yourself.

April 2023
Canterbury

Very helpful staff making you feel relaxed about what you are looking to do to improve your general health.

April 2023
Folkestone

Well organised informative relaxed / friendly, very knowledgeable leader (Raj). Professional in every respect.

March 2023
Gravesham

It gave me the motivation to be more active and meet people.

March 2023
Canterbury

Lots of questions answered by staff. Very helpful and explained everything.

March 2023
Dover

Excellent information and education. Very friendly staff and encouraging. Individual goals, attention where necessary. Group social, dynamic - excellent.

March 2023
Dartford

Staff were very helpful and helped me through the experience.

March 2023
Thanet

The Support from Sam and Kelly has been excellent. The sessions are consitent and educational. I feel a real benefit from attending.

January 2023
Whitstable

Taught me how to control my breathing; made a lot of difference with the way I breathe.

January 2023
Thanet

Both Kelly and Sam are very competent and this comes over in all the sessions. My fitness has noticeably improved.

January 2023
St Marys Bay

Learning different ways to manage COPD . Group participation was helpful.

January 2023
Gravesham

Care of us as individuals was excellent. Encouragement excellent. Achieving goals, never imagined - excellent, thank you.

January 2023
Thanet

How at ease I felt and able to talk open and honestly knowing that it was confidential.

December 2022
Dover

Found exercises quite easy to do. Teachers very pleasant and helpful.

December 2022
Canterbury

Worthwhile, well structured, positive and enjoyable.

December 2022
Thanet

Sam and Kelly very friendly and everything was a good experience.

December 2022
Gravesham

Reassuring at all times made me feel very welcome and praised at each milestone achieved.

December 2022
Folkestone

Professional Service. Gave me confidence that I could manage my COPD.

June 2022
Thanet

Jennifer and Leanne were very welcoming and gave a lot of support and encouragement.

June 2022
Canterbury

Absolutely professional with a relaxed atmosphere and staff very informative.

June 2022
Whitstable

The team were extremely caring and explained all what we needed to do and made me feel at ease.

June 2022
St Marys Bay

I found the staff very friendly, understanding and helpful.

May 2022
Gravesham

I could not have hoped for a more pleasant, caring or efficient running of the course.

May 2022
Thanet

Very understanding, professional, full of information.

May 2022
Ashford

Always met with enthusiasm. Well organised, personalised attention. Hygiene of a high standard.

May 2022
Whitstable

I found the ladies running this service were extremely helpful, kind and considerate.

May 2022
Dover

Informative relevant health talks. Especially about anxiety and airway clearing. Exercises were good and I can continue at home.

April 2022
Thanet

Friendly, found out how to deal with many things, easy to contact if needed.

April 2022
Canterbury

Everything explained so clearly and at the end of a phone if you need more help.

April 2022
Gravesham

The instructors were very helpful and encouraging. Things were explained in a way that was easy to understand.

March 2022
Whitstable

Kind, caring and encouraging physios.

March 2022
Ashford

Made you feel very welcome. Very instructive and very helpful.

March 2022
Dartford

Kate and Paul where excellent and couldn't do enough. Tailored program for my specific nee,d very helpful and friendly.

March 2022
Folkestone

Staff are friendly and welcoming and everything is explained clearly.

February 2022
Thanet

Compassionate staff gave easy to understand instructions and reasoning.

March 2022
St Marys Bay

iIfound the staff very helpful and kind to my needs. Imformation given was very good and made me understand my issues.

February 2022
Canterbury

Only too willing to help and advise, very encouraging team members.

February 2022
Gravesham

Throughout the course everything was explained to us in a very professional way.

January 2022
Thanet

Sam and Kelly have been very supportive and motivational.

January 2022
Canterbury

The course has given me so much confidence in pushing myself and coping with my condition.

January 2022
St Marys Bay

Staff very understanding, caring. It is a very informative course. Leant a lot about my condition.

January 2022
Folkestone

Feel better in myself. Raj and Smig motivated me and were caring. Beneficial programme.

December 2021
Dartford

Friendly and informative.

December 2021
Whitstable

Excellent service, very helpful, positive and encouraging.

November 2021
Thanet

Team, very good; explained everything and gave us time to ask questions.

November 2021
Dartford

Informative and incredibly supportive at every session.

November 2021
Canterbury

I was supported well over the course both in house and over the phone. Treated with kindness and respect.

October 2021
Dover

Everyone had time for you, to what you needed in your own time.

October 2021
Dartford

Health improved. Very friendly people. Lots of exercise and felt good afterwards.

October 2021
Gravesham

Staff here very attentive and helpful at all times.

October 2021
Thanet

The team of Sam and Kelly are wonderful and an asset to the NHS.

November 2022
Folkestone

Excellent. I've had a life changing improvement in my fatigue and post exercise fatigue. Raj and Smig were wonderful professional and patient with me.

November 2022
Dartford

The staff were very supportive the course was very educational. Was good fun and will help me manage my health with confidence.

November 2022
St Mary's Bay

I found the talks particularly useful. Having some reassurances from staff.

November 2022
Whitstable

Professionalism of staff, very knowledgeable and caring.

November 2022
Canterbury

The first lady I saw (Rebecca) was very understanding and listened to my concerns. Marie has continued this and has been very supportive over the weeks.

November 2022
Thanet

Staff very helpful and understanding. Good Knowledge.

November 2022
Gravesham

Very explainitory and the exercises made me feel better. Paul and Kate who took the sessions were very understanding.

October 2022
Canterbury

Excellent, really helpful, lovely and friendly, good tips and advice. Helped my confidence.

October 2022
Dartford

Found the staff so helpful, nothing to much trouble, very hands on.

October 2022
Whitstable

The respiratory physio were very friendly and helpful, also very knowledgeable about this condition.

October 2022
Folkestone

I learnt a lot and my confidence is much improved.

October 2022
Thanet

The service Sam and Kelly provide is outstanding.

September 2022
Gravesham

Staff were attentive and helpful, the sessions were prompt and the environment was spacious and airy. Talks were interesting and useful.

September 2022
Whitstable

I liked the exercises and they were explained to me in good details. The ladies were very kind and very helpful.

September 2022
Canterbury

Taught me how to manage my condition better and gave me motivation to try harder.

August 2022
St Mary's Bay

The course was informative and helped me understand more about my condition. It also helped me to exercise to a level right for me.

July 2022
Gravesham

Kate and Paul were very good at explaining and showing us the different apparatus.

August 2022
Folkestone

The programme has given lots of useful information to manage my condition.

July 2022
Folkestone

I found the specialists to be very good at there jobs. They were very patient with me.

October 2021
Ashford

Very professional, helpful staff and very informative, plus the course encourages better personal performance.

October 2021
Canterbury

Great opportunity, friendly, enjoyable, educational and positive outcome for me to carry on with other events.

August 2021
Folkestone

Very informative course. It has given me lots of confidence to exercise and manage the condition.

August 2021
Whitstable

Well organised group. Staff compassionate and helpful.

September 2021
Dover

The class was very informative it gave me reassurance, and I learned how to get on with my life .

September 2021
Ashford

It’s the best course, informative, staff are very good friendly and helpful.

September 2021
Dartford

Staff showed real and individual concern that attendees got what was best for their individual needs from the course.

October 2021
Gravesham

Staff were very friendly, make you feel relaxed and safe.

October 2021
Swanley

All staff were very concerned with course participants wellbeing. Always happy and positive and helpful.

August 2021
St Marys Bay

Raj and Smig were fully approachable , and helped me make decisions. Both staff very professional in their roles and very caring.

July 2021
Gravesham

All staff very friendly and gave support and encouragement all the way.

June 2021
Folkestone

Friendly atmosphere. Educational and I've definitely benefited.

June 2021
Dover

I found the nurses friendly, caring and helpful. They were well informed.

July 2021
Ashford

The course was run with professionalism and courtesy, I could not have wished for a better team to look after me.

July 2021
Dartford

All lessons very well presented and all questions asked were answered with clarity and overall I have gained a lot of help with managing my condition.

July 2021
Whitstable

Very welcoming and friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

April 2021
Canterbury

I would like to thank the staff involved in this course for their help and encouragement.

April 2021
Whitstable

Really informative. Staff were really friendly, knowledgeable, and caring. Encouraging you to push yourself but also understanding when people have difficulties.

April 2021
Thanet

Staff are very helpful and make you feel comfortable about asking questions if you feel the need.

April 2021
Gravesham

It is a very good service. Kate and Paul extremely nice and professional.

May 2021
Dover

The staff were very helpful with explaining the course and making it easy to take part and understand, enjoyed very much.

May 2021
Thanet

It was an excellent and caring experience. Both nurses acted in a helpful, positive and encouraging way with kindness and understanding.

May 2021
Dartford

I found the quality of service and care to be excellent. The staff were extremely knowledgeable, caring and compassionate. Dedicated to their medical profession. Well done and thank you.

June 2021
Swanley

Treated as an individual. Nice to be a part of a group as well

June 2021
Ashford

From the outset I felt that my needs were being carefully considered and looked after. Both physios were friendly and very approachable.

June 2021
St Marys Bay

Professional service, benefitted me with good advice and support.

January 2021
Dartford

Really enjoyed the course. I feel a lot better than I did before I started the course (fitter) Hannah and Sam made course very enjoyable.

March 2021
Thanet

Fantastic the girls are great Sam and Kelly have taught me so much.

March 2021
St Marys Bay

Learned at lot, the course has helped me a lot.

March 2021
Whitstable

The knowledge and experience of the team delivering the course has been the most important aspect of the programme and I cant thank them enough for the help they have provided me.

March 2021
Swanley

Programme was very good, covered all my needs.

December 2020
Gravesham

Excellent, very clear instruction, helped my breathing technique, helped me get a bit fitter.

December 2020
Dartford

They helped me tremendously.

January 2021
Ashford

Every effort had been made before and during the classes to ensure we felt safe and comfortable.

January 2021
Gravesham

Professional courteous friendly team in charge gave me confidence to complete the course with 100% satisfaction.

September 2020
Ashford

Great service. Everything explained really well. It really encouraged me to exercise.

September 2020
Dover

I feel every effort was made by Paula and Chai to make sure I received the maximum benefit from the course.

October 2020
Whitstable

Very helpful, enjoyed phone calls, improved in walking ability.

October 2020
Thanet

Rehab has been very helpful and the counselling helped a lot and gave me a chance to talk, thank you.

November 2020
Gravesham

The course was run extremely efficiently by Kate and Paul and we were all made to feel safe at the venue, especially during this COVID time.

November 2020
Dartford

Hannah and her team did a fantastic job. My COPD has improved as a direct result of her intervention.

November 2020
Ashford

I ask lots of questions. Gillian always gave good advice and how to use given advice.

December 2020
St Marys Bay

Helped me motivate to exercise. Helped my breathing.

December 2020
Folkestone

Got lot of support and advise from the staff.

July 2020
Folkestone

The counsellor was very understanding and gave me confidence.

July 2020
Folkestone

Was always given the option of if I needed to speak before my next appointment I could do so.

July 2020
Thanet

This programme has allowed me to be more active.

August 2020
Thanet

Very good team, very patient and encouraging.

August 2020
Dartford

Was informed of everything that I needed and lovely people making me feel relaxed.

September 2020
Folkestone

I was encouraged to talk through my concerns and issues and at no time did I feel anything other than totally satisfied with my sessions.

June 2020
Whitstable

Found it helpful and motivating

June 2020
Ashford

The person that phoned me made me feel at ease right from the start and listened to me the whole time.

April 2020
Gravesham

I learnt a lot from the talks about my condition, Bronchiectasis, and how to manage it. The exercises definitely made me feel stronger.The staff were always helpful, encouraging and supportive and it was useful to meet other attendees with similar problems.

March 2020
Dover

The course was very informative, and motivated me to do the exercises.It is also reassuring to be able to talk to somebody.

February 2020
Dartford

The competetive part of the course helped me more than anything.

February 2020
Dartford

Excellent results in a short space of time. All of the staff were super. Very caring and helpful. They treated everyone with respect.

February 2020
Gravesham

From the minute I walked through the door I was made to feel welcome and at ease. Everything was explained for the morning, goals were set and would change as I progressed.

February 2020
Thanet

I felt I needed to talk to someone outside of my family about my feelings and problems. Talking and explaining has given me a different perspective on my problems.

January 2020
Dover

Most improvement in a long time. Improved my life.

January 2020
Ashford

I think that anybody taking this course would benefit from it medically. The place is sasy to find. There is a plenty of parking space, also plenty of room in hall.

December 2019
Thanet

After completeing the PR course I think it is extremely important to keep up exercises and the maintenance group does just that. I believe the mantenance group has helped me and others continue with the exercises necessary to keep the lungs working.

July 2019
Thanet

The staff are very profesional and very thorough, explain in terms that are easy to understand. (Rehab Course)

July 2019
Thanet

It's a great and friendly course, it's help me alot. The staff have been caring and fantastic. (Rehab Course)

July 2019
Canterbury

I would like to comment on the commitment and friendliness of the staff who helped us all on this course.

June 2019
Whitstable

My sessions was where I was able to talk about things and know I wasn't being judged.

June 2019
Whitstable

Excellent communication skills along with good strong advice.

June 2019
Dover

It took me from a very dark place to moving my life forward.

February 2019
Thanet

They make you feel safe and understand your limitations. They encourage you to do your best. (Rehab Maintenance)

February 2019
Dartford

I found the course very helpful, informative and enjoyable. Very respectful staff. (Rehab Course)

February 2019
Ashford

Extremely supportive and encouraging environment. Excellent practioners who fully understand and are empathic to the challenges that chronic lung conditions present. (Rehab Course)

February 2019
Thanet

Motivational, well organised and useful information. (Pulmonary Rehab Course)

January 2019
Thanet

It makes you feel so good after the session and every one gets so much out of the course. (Course)

January 2019
Thanet

Non threatening environment. Professional, friendly, understanding staff who are nevertheless very firm. Individually tailored for each participant. Extremely friendly rapport quickly built for group. Great benefits. (Course)

January 2019
Whitstable

Such good information. Lovely girls heading the course. Feel so much better and in control. (Course)

January 2019
Whitstable

It has helped me to manage my breathing & walk further than I can normally outside due to the weather road levels. Questions answered. A friendly group of people. (Course)

June 2018
Folkestone

Staff were very professional, kind, helpful and understanding. Nothing was too much trouble for them. Caring and considerate to all. (Rehab)

June 2018
Thanet

Well planned and conducted course. Helpful and knowledgeable staff cheerful atmosphere. (Rehab)

May 2018
Dartford

The course has improved my everyday life as its given me more confidence. (Rehab)

May 2018
Ashford

It's a very well run course. All the staff are very attentive, helpful and genuinely concerned for our well being. (Rehab)

May 2018
Dover

I have felt supported and able to try to move forward with what is a difficult and sometimes confusing life. (Counselling)

May 2018
Gravesham

Found the course extremely helpful, would definitely recommend. (Rehab)

April 2018
Thanet

It made you realise that you are not the only one with a problem. Staff was kind and helpful and the talks were very informative although I wasn't sure about the course at the first I am very glad I came as I feel I know more about what I can do now. (Rehab)

April 2018
Folkestone

The course has been of great benefit to me, both physically and educationally. Good balance and very kind, caring course leaders. (Rehab)

April 2018
Whistable

The course is of immense value for improving all aspects of exercise and proving that it can be achieved. There is plenty of expert help. (Rehab)

April 2018
Gravesham

The whole experience was so helpful brilliant. (Rehab)

April 2018
Ashford

The whole experience has helped me to move on feel motivated. The girls running the course, are fantastic. (Rehab)

April 2018
Dover

Its a great course very helpful and interesting, lovely caring people. (Rehab)

March 2018
Thanet

The staff running the course are very helpful and have a happy upbeat attitude. (Rehab)

March 2018
Dover

I found great encouragement & praise as my confidence grew. The staff were very helpful and kind. (Rehab)

March 2018
Dartford

I found the course content helpful and the staff very supportive.

March 2018
Ashford

The ladies were brilliant helping me walk and exercise more than I thought I could. Great encouragement, friendly, dedicated. (Rehab)

March 2018
Folkestone

I found the service extremely helpful. It was good to have someone outside the family to listen to problems. (Counselling)

March 2018
Gravesham

the staff are very helpful, education is informative. interesting is presented in a clear way. All other aspects of course very good. (Rehab)

March 2018
Folkestone

All aspects of the course were very useful. Talking to others with the same condition was also helpful. (Rehab)

February 2018
Gravesham

It has been amazing in keeping me motivated and inspired. It has changed my health and well being beyond belief. I am living a life again. (Rehab Maintenance)

February 2018
Whitstable

Well run, professional, beneficial, friendly and an extremely good course for people suffering from lung disease.

February 2018
Ashford

The staff are so helpful, considerate and kind, always willing to listen and help. They have a lot of empathy

February 2018
Thanet

Staff very helpful and reassuring. Nice to be able to ask any questions.

January 2018
Thanet

I feel that the exercises and discussions made me feel a lot better and more confident. Also a very friendly and comfortable atmosphere.

January 2018
Gravesham

Very effective, enjoyable and positive experience.

January 2018
Ashford

Staff are very happy, cheerful, friendly understanding and encouraging.

December 2016
Whitstable

This course has provided me with valuable information about breathing techniques and 'do-able' exercises. They have had beneficial results for me.

December 2016
Whitstable

It has been brilliant! Lots of activities, enjoyable and lots of encouragement from the staff. A reason to leave the house. People like myself to chat to. A reason to 'push' myself. Something to look forward to.