Signs of infection or exacerbation and what to do

8) Preparing to leave Hospital

  • You may find that you have lost some strength and fitness while in hospital.
  • Your recovery at home may take some time.
  • You may be offered help to stop smoking. A variety of help is available.
  • Perhaps you were finding it difficult coping with all your daily chores before you came into hospital?

An assessment of certain daily tasks and how you will manage these at home will help to ensure your return home is successful and worry free.

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An assessment of certain daily tasks and how you will manage these at home will help to ensure your return home is successful and worry free. This may involve;

  • Physiotherapist. They may look at your strength and fitness. This can involve tasks such as walking distances similar to those that you cover at home and climbing stairs. They will monitor your oxygen levels, breathing and energy levels.
  • Occupational Therapist. They may help to arrange equipment to help with daily activities you might find more tiring such as bathing, dressing or kitchen tasks. They can advise on pacing your activities to preserve energy or refer for help in your home with heavier tasks.
  • Nurse. They will discuss your medication. They will explain any changes to your inhalers or medicines especially if they are different to ones you have had before. They may talk over your action plan with you or refer you to your practice nurse for further discussion.


Staff may discuss making a referral to pulmonary rehabilitation with you. Although you may not feel like exercising while you are in hospital, going to pulmonary rehabilitation following your discharge can really improve your recovery. You are also less likely to need to come back into hospital.

For more information please see: