For referrers

Please see the inclusion and exclusion criteria for Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge (BHR) pulmonary rehabilitation services below.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients should meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • All patients who consider themselves functionally disabled by breathlessness (usually medical research council (MRC) Grade 3 or above)
  • Patients with MRC 2 who are symptomatic and disabled by their condition will be assessed on a case-by-case basis
  • Patients who require a health care professional for assessment and supervision of exercise training, rather than advice on lifestyle changes
  • Patients must have a confirmed diagnosis of COPD or other chronic progressive lung condition such as bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease and chronic asthma (this list is not exhaustive), chest wall disease, pre and post thoracic surgery inclusive of lung transplantation
  • Be motivated to attend and complete the PR programme
  • Aged 18+

Exclusion criteria and absolute contraindications :

Patients with one or more of the following conditions are not suitable for pulmonary rehabilitation:

  • The presence of unstable cardiac disease
  • Acute left ventricular failure
  • Any acute cardiac events in the past 3 months
  • Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic readings >160 at rest and >100 diastolic at rest should be reviewed by GP before commencing the course)
  • Uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmias
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Lack of motivation to attend the full programme
  • Significant cognitive impairment which cannot be mitigated within the class
  • Alcohol and drug dependency which would present a risk to patient and others
  • Physical or psychological conditions which cannot be mitigated and may present a risk to the patient or others