COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive and disabling condition that limits airflow in the lungs and is leading cause of potentially preventable hospitalisations in the Nepean Blue Mountains region. 

1 in 20 Australians aged 45 years and over are living with COPD. Early diagnosis and optimal management during early stages can lead to better quality of life, decreased disease progression and mortality, and reduced hospital admissions.

COPD Clinical Care Standard

The Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Clinical Care Standard, released by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (October 2024), provides guidance on best practice for managing COPD. This standard supports the goal of reducing preventable hospitalisations and improving quality of life for people with COPD by enhancing symptom management and considering palliative care needs.

For more information and to access the full standard, visit the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.

We commission the following local service to support COPD management:

Upbeat Lungs Exercise Class

We fund the Upbeat Lungs Exercise Group in the Hawkesbury, which is a safe exercise class for people with stable chronic lung conditions. The group meets on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 11:30am - 12:30pm at Fun Fast Fitness in South Windsor. Classes are suitable for people using supplemental oxygen and/or walking frames. There are seated options for every exercise. Download the flyer. 

The classes are run by a trainer who specialises in exercising people with lung disease and heart failure. Contact Rebecca on 0404 871 484.