Bass Coast Health is making sure the community recovers from illness and surgery by reintroducing groups for patients with cardio and respiratory conditions.
The cardio group assists people with a whole range of conditions through a tailored program of cardio and weight exercises at Wonthaggi Hospital.
The cardio groups are held at Wonthaggi on Tuesdays from 1pm to 3.30pm, and at the Phillip Island Health Hub on Wednesdays from 1pm to 3.30pm.
Patient Deb Watson recently completed the eight-week cardio course and credits the program with assisting her recovery.
“The exercises are all dependent on where you are at in your recovery and may include the walker, exercise bike, stepper, weights and resistance band,” she said.
Deb, who is also President of the Bass Coast Health Inverloch Art Show Auxiliary, took part in the group after a triple bypass.
“The depression that is associated with heart surgery is very common and to have a social element to the group is very encouraging, as patients get to interact with each other and staff too,” she said.
“That’s really important for your recovery. I feel way, way better.”
Another participant, Barry Cocks, suffered a major heart attack in January and subsequently had a pace-maker installed.
“It will take 12-18 months to get back to a standard where I can do things again but in the meantime I’m finding this group great,” he said.
“It’s informative and the physiotherapists and nurses are fantastic. Mentally, this group helps because I have a support system around me.”
Pulmonary Rehabilitation clinics are also available to people with chronic lung conditions, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis.
With education and exercise components, Pulmonary Rehabilitation aims to help clients improve their breathing and overall wellbeing, reduce flare ups and keep people out of hospital.
Clinics in the eight-week program are held at Phillip Island Health Hub at Cowes on Wednesday mornings and at Wonthaggi Hospital on Thursday mornings.
To access the cardio and respiratory groups, patients are required to submit a referral from their specialist or GP to our referral coordination team, Access, via Access@basscoasthealth.org.au.
Patients can also self-refer.