Pulmonary rehabilitation is a self-management program for patients with a diagnosed chronic lung condition:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Bronchiectasis
• Interstitial lung disease
• Pulmonary hypertension

This service is for adults, 18 years and older who require multidisciplinary care and wish to learn self-management skills for their respiratory disease. The service encourages patients to attend the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Education and Exercise Program. There is no Respiratory Physician in the community setting. The multidisciplinary team consists of Clinical Nurses, a Physiotherapist and Pharmacist.

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation program consists of an individual assessment which includes safe exercise capacity testing and medical history followed by exercise training and education with an aim to increase physical function.

The education component assists patients to manage their condition by providing knowledge in areas such as breathing techniques, using medications and energy conservation. The service is time limited and does not provide ongoing care for patients with chronic disease.

If the diagnosis has not been confirmed, please refer to Gold Coast Health’s specialist respiratory outpatients department.

If the referral is to request long-term oxygen therapy, please refer to Gold Coast Health’s oxygen clinic. Oxygen therapy cannot be arranged in the community program.

Further details of exclusion criteria and referral guidelines are available in HealthPathways: Respiratory Program

Referrals can be made through Smart Referrals by selecting ‘Chronic Disease and Post Acute – Respiratory Services’ Robina or Helensvale as the service/location.