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Are you able to get free local transport to take you to pulmonary rehabilitation?

Carol_ALUK profile imageCarol_ALUKPartnerBritish Lung Foundation300 Voters

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62 Replies
jocki profile image
jocki

There are times when I would need transport but it is not available .

Nottobad profile image
Nottobad

My PR is with in walking distance. So no need for transport

Sooner profile image
Sooner

I dont have any pulmonary apps

siouxbecket profile image
siouxbecket

I don't have PR ap.

Bumpybee profile image
Bumpybee

I am well enough still to use transport

Pentreath profile image
PentreathVolunteer

No free transport provided but I could get there by bus and I have a bus pass. A kind man on the pr course used to give me a lift home - long wait otherwise for bus.

Buzzytruk profile image
Buzzytruk

It would be nice to be offered a place on a course .....When asked ,am told there's a long waiting list ........So No.

PMRPete profile image
PMRPete

What is pulmonary rehabilitation? Never been mentioned to me and I'm 84!

in reply to PMRPete

Hi Hidden

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a programme of exercise and education for people with long-term lung conditions provided by the NHS and, in some areas, privately.

There's more information on these courses here: blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

I hope this helps.

Best wishes,

Ben

BLF Helpline

Nannette profile image
Nannette

I do however have a freedom pass but when I am having a bad spell it is difficult to walk to the bus stop and takes a longer time due to breathlessness

wencatha profile image
wencatha in reply to Nannette

Ditto. I have to get 2 buses each way

That's a joke. I can't even get PR

kiracleo profile image
kiracleo

I have to get a cab straight to the door, as I can't walk very far. I would love to use public transport.

noraskye profile image
noraskye

I can get transportation one way, but it's complicated I get offered transport but it doesn't fit in with the PR times I suggested they could take me one way and my daughter could pick me up and take me home, but no that's not allowed ggrr. Anyway my lovely physiotherapy arranged for outworker to visit me and go through exercises but it's not the same as PR. Sorry for rant.

Jummie profile image
Jummie in reply to noraskye

That's a real shame. I go when I'm able to, having bad spell at the moment so not been for 9 weeks. I'm on the mend and hoping to get back into it soon. It's gentle exercise and we are all at different stages so some can do more than others. It's always varied so we don't get bored, and we try to encourage each other. The other best bit is where we all sit together and discuss any problems we are having. I hope you will soon get transport sorted so you can go and take part. Good Luck and keep doing the exercises at home. It all helps 😀

I find it hard my hospital is 3miles away I lose my breath after 50meters iam 62 tried to get esa that was a joke their is nothing wrong with me mentally or physically I struggle to breathe as soon as I start to do my housework can no longer cut my lawn my Alsatian is 16 when she gives out so shall I if their is help out there where is it!!!

winebuff profile image
winebuff

I have had two sessions of rehab. The one in a Northumberland provided taxis both ways. The second in North Tyneside did not, so I used my car

budleigh4 profile image
budleigh4

I can get volunteer car but have to pay about 60 per cent of a taxi fare

Damon1864 profile image
Damon1864Volunteer

It's good knowing that if my husband is unable to take me to PR, then I can get the free transport on offer

piggi profile image
piggi

What about "don't know. Never tried."? My rehab was very pleasant 20 minutes walk round the corner in mid summer.

fernway profile image
fernway

Having been on a PR course, after arguing with my GP, who seemed to think it was only for sufferers who had exhausted all other medication options. he seemed to think you had to be on oxygen to benefit, I will make no comment of my opinion.

I would highly recommend it to any person suffering from breathing problems. As advertised it gave me guides to proper non-exhausting exercise and methods of breathing for maximum benefit.

Sunflower13 profile image
Sunflower13

Poll needed a 'don't know' option. I drive to mine, but I know other people have waited for 'transport' at the end of the classes. Not sure if it was free or not 🌻

Regina77 profile image
Regina77

We have mobility to help us with appointment

mrsmummy profile image
mrsmummy

In my area transport is provided to attend PR at the hospital but courses held in other venues have no transport provided. The one nearest me has very limited parking (4 vehicles).

rileyramsey profile image
rileyramsey

I live 20 miles north of Aberdeen, with no public transport and no access to health facilities.

mauschen profile image
mauschen in reply to rileyramsey

Shocking!

chibby1 profile image
chibby1

Think you can get hospital transport to take you there , but I think its only right to leave this free for more urgent cases . The classes are free and very good so I get lifts or use my bus pass to get there . The hardest thing for me was getting on the classes as they are so popular , and I can see why as I have been helped greatly by them . Chibby .

Bumley profile image
Bumley

I am awaiting a session but will have to use public transport since I can no longer drive for medical reasons. Will also be looking at using Age UK who will wait and bring you back for the price of a single private hire ride.

pauline5252 profile image
pauline5252

They say I can have free transport but I am lucky my daughter always takes me in car

Joe1946 profile image
Joe1946

I Live in Cambridge you get very little in this area unless you can pay.

scorpiolass profile image
scorpiolass

Not currently on a course but when I am, I have to drive myself or get a lift. There have been parking issues in the past.

Wildchild44 profile image
Wildchild44 in reply to scorpiolass

Have you a blue disabled pass. Can park anywhere including DOUBLE YELLOW LINES.

TyneandWear profile image
TyneandWear

It isn't actually hospital transport.....the hospital provide a taxi to get us there and back home.

telfer profile image
telfer

it cost me £160 .00 to go to Papwouth Hospital

Mi33y profile image
Mi33y

I drive there but don't always feel well enough to drive. Also have to go really early to get a parking space to save me walking too far.

PollyR profile image
PollyR

I haven't been able to get a referral for pulmonary rehab. yet despite several times of asking. Do you have to have severe COPD to get it?

mrsmummy profile image
mrsmummy in reply to PollyR

No. It should be offered to everyone because it is not only an exercise programme it is also full of information. Don't let them make you wait until you are severe. Attending and learning will slow down the progress.

PollyR profile image
PollyR in reply to mrsmummy

Thanks for that. I will definitely push harder the next time I see my GP!

steviejag1 profile image
steviejag1

PR is a sick joke where I live, they are so useless at what they do, its nothing but a glorified coffee morning, for the over 70s, I am 58 with very bad emphysema my life has been turned upside down and I just feel very patronised when I attend my local PR group.

mike25 profile image
mike25

Hello all, its a Godsend thank goodness that I have my own car, or else I wouldn't be able to get there, No one cares though, We are just people who most of the time who, Look well,? but inside how we all wish ,We could breathe properly and do normal things, Just like the people who we see from day to day and think just because we look well, There is nothing wrong with us, Think again!, How I envy the normal people, but they just, don't understand what its like to be short of breath, To breathe is to live, But to be short of breath is a living Hell, BUT to be honest, We are still here to moan, So We must be grateful, But how nice it would be to be able to take a ,Deep breath, We have to appreciate Life, its wonderful, and don't forget everyone Pulmonary rehab ,is good for us all.

Marie4punk profile image
Marie4punk

I pay at total of £30 every time I have a respiratory appointment or go for tests such as chest xrays. I have never been offered transport

jabber profile image
jabber

I'm not currently on a PR course, but drove myself when I did go. It was 16 miles away and buses would have been impractical (at least 2 changes). I don't know whether hospital transport would have been available had I needed it.

In my area there is a Good Neighbour group who will drive people to medical appointments, and I think PR sessions would qualify for that assistance, but I know GN are currently having trouble recruiting volunteer drivers.

mauschen profile image
mauschen

I don't think I need it

wencatha profile image
wencatha

But i have a Freedom Pass so i travel there on the bus (free!)

friendly profile image
friendly

i am fortunate that i can stil drive myself, but i do believe there is transport which is run by volunteers.

Loraine121 profile image
Loraine121

Hi im sure that its available but my mum normally allows us to borrow her car as the hospital transport you can be there all day as they pick up early and often have to wait until most people are ready for long detours home.

Sukirose3 profile image
Sukirose3

I have finished now,but my husband took me,so it wasn't a problem .

Sukirose3 profile image
Sukirose3

I have completed the course ,my husband took me,so it was not aproblem.

Jasmine-1 profile image
Jasmine-1

No i i have to make my own way

123OIL profile image
123OIL

if I HAVE TO ATTEND MY LOCAL HOSPITAL MY WIFE AND MYAWLF TRAVEL BY TAXI BECAUSe WE CAN NEVER PARK WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE (WHICH BOTH MY WIFE Can WALK. SHE IS DISABLED ALSO.

123OIL profile image
123OIL

ALSO IF I HAVE TO GO TO WIGAN HOSPITAL MY WIFE WILL DRIVE THERE AND CHANCE GETTING A CAR SPACE NEAR TO THE ENTRANCE BECAUSE OF MY OWN PROBLEMS ns hwea to

Wildchild44 profile image
Wildchild44 in reply to 123OIL

No disabled badge???? Apply for one!! For 2 disabled people the would be no difficulty. Park anywhere and on DOUBLE YELLOW LINES.

wheezybronch profile image
wheezybronch

I have not made any inquiries and have my own transport so I have no idea if free transport is available !

Wildchild44 profile image
Wildchild44

Can make own way to hosp,7 minutes away by car. DISABLED badge means I can park anywhere

dawniee2121 profile image
dawniee2121

Hopeless have too go myself for appointment. ...by car

jimmyg23 profile image
jimmyg23

No have to make my own way

Kittykat2 profile image
Kittykat2

Not hospital transport but taxis that are free but usually takes long detours dropping others off too.

Monawhite1 profile image
Monawhite1

I was given a referral by my specialist and I told her I would not be able to get there even though I was keen to do it. There were no buses going there no community bus no Red Cross bus and could not ask any of my friends to take me as they work still as I am only in my 60s. I was asked by the patient transport line 3 questions could I walk to the taxi could I walk unaided round my house and was I on benefits. I answered yes to the first two and no to benefits. I tried my health centre to see if anybody els had been referred and could I pay petrol money to somebody who was also doing rehab. I was told data protection so they could not give out that information. In the end I wrote a letter to the NHS complaints and they have actually granted me transport for one 6 week course. Only problem now is I have caught an awful cold and now Am not well enough to go!!! My specialist did say lots of people do not go to rehab because of no transport now the NHS has withdrawn transport because of cutting costs. I feel this is short sighted as rehab is so helpful and supportive surely it must save us copd sufferers from ending up in hospital and a and e ?

Greatbanks profile image
Greatbanks

I started the rehab but need Drive there after first visit was exhausted , and light headed felt dreadful , had to get someone to come pick me up then someone to collect my car 😳 , so I have to say it was not good for me I cannot always drive myself , the walking test really exhausted me , felt il , I have not been back since .

wendz1968 profile image
wendz1968

i think wrong i cant even get a bus pass here in scotland

Comino2 profile image
Comino2

I have been referred for PR but it is a long way from the bus stop [that only runs once an hour so timing is crucial] I cannot afford to get a taxi at £14 for the round trip as I am on benefits.I have to put some money by for access to doctors appointments.I have a bus pass but cannot get out much for 6 months or so of the year due to cold weather,infections,humidity etc.There is no transport available which seems unfair as you must be diagnosed as being extremely breathless to attend.Not all of us have a car or are able to get a lift there,So sadly I will never be able to attend a course which is a shame as it seems from the posts on here that it can be very beneficial.Would have been good also, to meet others with similiar conditions.It can be a lonely life with COPD and would have boosted my mood.Sorry for the rant and I am so glad I have people on hear who would understand.

I am not able to get to rehab as no transport of my own and only 2 buses a day.