Community Respiratory Therapy Team receives national accreditation

A dedicated team at North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust have received national recognition for their work to deliver high quality care for those living with long-term respiratory conditions. 

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service, delivered by the Community Respiratory Therapy Team, has been awarded the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Accreditation by the National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service Accreditation Scheme (PRSAS). 

The six-week exercise and education programme is designed to help patients improve their strength, stamina and confidence. Supervised exercise sessions focus on building endurance, directly supporting better breathing, while education sessions equip patients with the knowledge to manage their condition more effectively.

The service is offered at two locations, Orford Jubilee Hub in Warrington and Ditton Community Centre in Widnes, to ensure easy access for patients and provide vital support for people living with illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung disease.

As part of the accreditation, the team submitted evidence of best practice and service improvement work and were visited by the PRSAS national team to observe a pulmonary rehabilitation class and speak to patients about their experience. 

Speaking of the accreditation, Alison Lawton, professional lead respiratory physiotherapist, said: “I am incredibly proud of this amazing team achievement. We have been working towards the accreditation over the past three years, and it is fantastic to see the team’s work recognised. The team were commended for the high level of patient satisfaction and work to provide the very best experience that is delivered – well done!” 

The service is one of only 42 sites across the UK which currently holds the accreditation, which is testament to the hard work and commitment of the team to deliver a service that meets best practice standards across all aspects of pulmonary rehabilitation.