Patients recovering from life-threatening blood clots are working out to a fitter future with a unique new exercise programme at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (RUH).
The specialist exercise classes, thought to be the only one of their kind available in the country, are supporting patients to overcome their fears and return to active lifestyles after suffering from a pulmonary embolism – a blood clot on the lungs.
Regitse Lewis, RUH Therapies Team Leader, said: “These classes are a great introduction back into routine exercise in a safe environment with professional support on hand. We tailor each session to the abilities and needs of those attending, but an average class could include walking, exercise bikes, weights and stretching. We see huge improvements in patients’ fitness and confidence even after only a couple of sessions – we encourage them to complete a progress sheet each week which seems to be both rewarding and motivating.”
Patient Simone Vandermeer from Bath said: “I was terrified to exercise again, I knew it would help me recover but I didn’t know what was safe and how far I should push myself. At first I couldn’t even walk from one end of the room to the other without getting completely breathless. Now I can easily get round at least four or five laps.
“The physiotherapy team are helping me recognise what pain or breathlessness is normal and what are warning signs to look out for. I’m starting to feel safe and confident to get active again.”
The funding for the classes was secured thanks to a successful bid to the Trust’s Innovation Panel – where staff can pitch for funding to finance projects that will improve patient care and experience or will increase efficiency.