Better Breathing Programme

Download our Better Breathing Programme leaflet

Better Breathing Programme (Pulmonary Rehabilitation)

The Better Breathing Programme is a 10-week group programme run by Community Clinical Nurses specialising in long-term conditions. It is for people living with chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD and chronic asthma.

Get support to build confidence with exercise, medication use and managing symptoms.

What will I get out of the programme?

The Better Breathing Programme will help you:

Ease the feeling of shortness of breath so you can better manage day-to-day activities
Become more active
Better understand your lung conditions and build your confidence to stay well
Gain support from others
Get the most out of life

What does the programme cover?

The programme is led by a nurse and physiotherapy team trained in the care of people with lung disease who, despite receiving the best possible care, continue to have shortness of breath which affects their quality of life.

Our team will work with you to develop a personalised exercise plan to help you build confidence with physical activity.

You will also learn more about various topics, including:

Breathing techniques
COPD/asthma flare ups
The benefits of exercise
Eating well
Managing medications
Care plans
Choices and decision making for the future
Relaxation for anxiety and depression

As this is a group programme, there is also lots of opportunity for talking to other people who are going through similar experiences. Share successes and challenges, encourage others, pick up tips and tricks and maybe make some new friends!

How can I join the programme?

Referral from your General Practice Team

Talk with your general practitioner or nurse practitioner about the Better Breathing Programme. They can refer you to the Respiratory Service at the Palmerston North hospital where you can be connected with the programme.

Call THINK Hauora

Contact THINK Hauora directly to speak to our referall team. They can talk to you about the programme and guide you through the referral process.