LUNG patients at Solihull Hospital are being assigned ‘buddies’ to help get through rehabilitation.
Following the success of an innovative rehab programme for patients with lung diseases, former patients are returning to the hospital to give something back.
The volunteer ‘buddies’ will support patients through their eight-week programme of pulmonary rehabilitation – a combination of exercise and education on lung health.
Former rehab patient Leila Meechan, who is now a volunteer ‘buddy’ for the programme, said: “Because of the excellent treatment we have had, we want to give something back.
“We will be working alongside the pulmonary rehabilitation team and acting as ‘buddies’ to new patients joining the programme.”
Helen Beadle, specialist physiotherapist at Solihull Hospital, said the volunteers were able to offer a ‘unique perspective to patients’ in offering first-hand experiences and helping maintain morale.
Anyone who has completed the programme and who is interested in becoming a volunteer ‘buddy’ is encouraged to contact the pulmonary rehabilitation team at Solihull Hospital on 0121 424 5446.
Residents with respiratory problems who feels they would benefit from the pulmonary rehabilitation programme is urged to discuss a referral to the respiratory physiotherapy outpatient team with their GP.
