Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service

Contact us

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

Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.

Any phone messages or emails left after these times will be responded to the next working day.

Who we are

We are experienced chartered physiotherapists, occupational therapists, specialist rehabilitation assistants and respiratory counsellors. We also have volunteers in some areas.

At times, student therapists work in our service on placement.

What we do

We provide face-to-face exercise and education sessions at locations across east Kent.

Waiting time: less than six weeks from referral to first appointment.

All locations are accessible. Please speak to your physiotherapist about your individual needs.

Session locations

Ashford

British Rail Sports and Social Club, Beaver Road, Ashford TN23 7RR.

Sessions run on Tuesdays and Fridays.

South Kent Coast

Romney Marsh

St Mary’s Bay Village Hall, 17 Jefferstone Lane, Romney Marsh TN29 0SA.

Sessions run on Mondays and Fridays.

Dover

St Margaret’s Village Hall, Reach Road, St Margaret’s at Cliffe, Dover CT15 6AP.

Sessions run on Mondays and Thursdays.

Folkestone

Folkestone Baptist Church, 135 Hill Road, Folkestone CT19 6LY.

Sessions run on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Thanet

North Thanet

St Philip’s Church, Palm Bay, Summerfield Road, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 3JJ.

Sessions run on Mondays and Thursdays.

South Thanet

St Mark’s Church, 8 Pysons Road, Ramsgate CT12 6TR.

Sessions run on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Whitstable

6th Whitstable Scout HQ, Long Rock, Whitstable CT5 2NH.

Sessions run on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Canterbury sessions are also offered on an ad hoc basis.

What is involved in the programme?

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

We work closely with respiratory nurses, community-based long-term conditions and intermediate care teams, acute hospital respiratory physicians and physiotherapists, practice nurses and GPs.

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

What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

We offer a tailored exercise programme for people with moderate to severe lung disease. It aims to improve exercise tolerance, reduce symptoms and reduce disability. The programme helps people improve their quality of life and manage their condition.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is an evidence-based treatment for specific chronic respiratory diseases. We treat patients with a confirmed respiratory diagnosis or long COVID. It includes exercise and education for patients, partners and carers.

What happens after referral?

Each patient is invited to an introduction session after we receive a referral. At this session, we complete basic observations to make sure exercise is safe. We also explain what is involved in the programme and check that patients are suitable and willing to attend a pulmonary rehabilitation course.

If appropriate, we will book a phone assessment with a specialist respiratory physiotherapist. This is followed by a face-to-face assessment to fully assess for pulmonary rehabilitation.

What the groups involve

Pulmonary rehabilitation includes two supervised exercise and education sessions each week for six weeks. It also includes a tailored self-management programme. Sessions use basic equipment, such as steps, dumbbells and leg weights. Patients are assessed individually to make sure the exercises are appropriate for their needs.

Please speak to your local therapist if you cannot commit to the face-to-face programme. We will discuss any appropriate alternative options with you.

What to bring

When attending pulmonary rehabilitation, please wear loose fitting clothing and sensible shoes – ideally trainers, and no sandals or heels.

Please bring:

reliever inhaler
a drink bottle, for example, water/squash
reading glasses/hearing aids if needed
oxygen therapy, if prescribed
GTN spray, if prescribed
walking aid, if required
if you are diabetic, please bring a snack.

How to use this service

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

For more information and resources about your lung condition, visit Asthma and Lung UK.

Find out about pulmonary rehabilitation sessions

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Your comments

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May 2026
Whitstable

The team were excellent from the first contact through targeted exercise programme, support, motivation and care. I found the regular exercise days and weekly talks very beneficial.

April 2026
Thanet

Lots of information and support given in the group session. Each person was given one to one support, and it was tailored to ability and health. Very friendly care given to each person.

March 2026
Whitstable

The team were very helpful and friendly. I gained a lot of confidence about being able to do activities and learned a lot about exercise diet and using my medication properly. (Course)

February 2026
St Marys Bay

All the staff were welcoming, understanding of my condition and helpful throughout the course. Very informative with session talks, making it easier for me to understand and manage my condition.

January 2026
Thanet

The staff were excellent, explained every aspect of the course. They went out of there way to go over and above. It was also very relaxed and helpful. All done and performed in a very cheerful and caring way, top class.

November 2025
Thanet

The counsellor has been wonderful and has helped me through a very complex, difficult time. They are sensitive, caring and empathetic. I felt less isolated after our conversations.

September 2025
Canterbury

The course helped me feel much more active and it helped me to feel happier about my problems. The staff were absolutely great.

August 2025
East Kent

The team presented the course in a professional, supportive and friendly way, which was easy to follow.

August 2025
Whitstable

Atmosphere was very relaxed, not rushed and everything was explained thoroughly.

August 2025
St Mary's Bay

Everything very well organised. Very informative, attention to detail. Good fun too!

July 2025
Whitstable

The knowledge and attitude of the staff made the course interesting to participate in. Despite the effort needed, it became more enjoyable as I became used to the exercises.

June 2025
Whitstable

Felt very supported and found I could cope with more than I thought. Practical advice regarding breathing methods was helpful, as was the information on support available afterwards.

December 2024
Ashford

I now have an understanding of how to manage my condition and the importance of exercise.

October 2024
Dartford

The therapists were helpful, informative and caring. The course has made a massive difference to me physically and mentally.

September 2024
Thanet

Very friendly and encouraging staff. Good support through exercise and additional information.

August 2024
Dover

The whole experience was very motivational. The group was encouraged to work together towards individual goals.

June 2024
Whitstable

Staff very cheerful, helpful and kept everybody motivated. Very encouraging.

April 2024
Whitstable

The staff were all very friendly, kind and informative and always smiling and happy, gave me confidence and I felt at ease.

March 2024
Gravesham

Very educational, it taught me how to manage my lung condition each day. They have helped me with an exercise programme, which I will carry on after my course. And given me useful contacts for advice and support.

February 2024
Ashford

Found the counselling very helpful. Staff member was able to help me identify issues and give constructive ideas to deal with them.

May 2023
St Mary's Bay

Very experienced and helpful staff who explained everything well. (Course)

May 2023
Ashford

Gill and Paula were very approachable and encouraging. Helped me to understand and manage my symptoms. Excellent. (Respiratory Physiotherapy)

May 2023
Canterbury

I had great support - Marie and Rebecca were always reassuring me and helped make things easier for me. I was always able to work at my own pace. (Course)

May 2023
Whitstable

Girls very caring and encouraging, makes you push yourself to do more exercise. (Course)

May 2023
Thanet

Knowing how to cope with the different exercises and I could defiantly feel the benefits. Sam and Kelly very cheerful and helpful staff. (Course)

May 2023
Dartford

Better understanding of my condition. Helped my wellbeing, particularly with my confidence. (Course)

April 2023
Gravesham

Staff are approachable, 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 consistent 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 need, 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

I found the staff very helpful and kind to my needs. Information 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.

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 explanatory and the exercises made me feel better. 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 too 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 their jobs. They were very patient with me.

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