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Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department

Heads of Department 

Medical Director:Prof. Tim McDonnell
Consultant Respiratory Physician 

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Co-Ordinator:
Miss. Kate O’Sullivan
Senior Respiratory Physiotherapist. 

Introduction 

St. Michael’s Hospital Pulmonary Rehabilitation programme uses a holistic approach for individuals with chronic obstructive airway disease aimed to improve the physical, mental, emotional, social and vocational components of their life. Our Motto is: 

‘Learn to live better with your Lungs’ 

Pulmonary rehabilitation programme in St. Michael’s Hospital is provided by a team of health care professionals – Respiratory Physician, Pulmonary Rehabilitation Coordinator, Respiratory Nurse, Dietician, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Psychologist and Social Worker. 

Contact Details  

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Contact

  

  

Phone

  

Kate O’Sullivan, Senior Respiratory Physiotherapist

01 6639832
  K.O’Sullivan2@stmichaels.ie

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 Location

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit is on the second floor. Follow the stairs past the Day Ward. The Pulmonary Laboratory is on the first floor Annexe, beside the Conservatory

 Opening Hours
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Monday – Friday

9.15am – 4.15pm

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Phases to Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Phase 1- Inpatient Rehabilitation 

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Coordinator works in conjunction with other healthcare professionals to deliver effective service in this phase. Patient will be admitted in the hospital for 3 days for assessment of their dyspnoea, endurance, quality of life, O2 saturation, ABG’s, PFT’s, X-ray etc. During their admission will gain a good knowledge about pulmonary rehabilitation in relation to their specific condition. 

Phase 2- Outpatient Rehabilitation 

This is a 7 weeks programme following their discharge. During this period the pulmonary rehab coordinator will assess participant’s dyspnoea, endurance and quality of life. Each individual will have a unique plan of care. Based on their assessment each will receive the following services:

 

  • Breathing retraining and bronchial hygiene techniques.
  • Respiratory muscle training.
  • Supervised upper extremity and lower extremity exercise training.
  • Relaxation Class.
  • Education-about the pathophysiology of condition, medication, nutrition and diet, inhalers, nebulizers, use of oxygen, energy conservation, smoking cessation, technique to manage stress and panic attacks, breathing and exercise techniques ect.

Your pulmonary rehabilitation programme coordinator will discuss your class times during your assessment.

During this phase patient’s family is strongly recommended to attend one or two classes to ensure ongoing support and motivation for the patient and family.

Phase 3 – Maintenance Phase

Following the 8 weeks programme, the pulmonary rehabilitation coordinator will review the patients at intervals of 2, 4, 6, 12 months respectively. Home exercise programme will be given to maintain benefits gained after phase 2.

Patient Referral System

Initially the patients should be referred to the respiratory physician for thorough examination which will be subsequently referred to the pulmonary rehabilitation coordinator.

Referral Form  

Download Form