An innovative partnership between Canberra Health Services and the University of Canberra will expand pulmonary rehabilitation services in the ACT, meaning patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will experience quicker access to the care they need .
The existing pulmonary rehabilitation program at Canberra Hospital will double in capacity, while a northside program at University of Canberra Health Clinics will also be established, resulting in 375 patients with chronic lung disease, primarily COPD, accessing rehabilitation each year.
It is expected that wait times for pulmonary rehabilitation will drop from 18–24 months for some patients to around two months, ensuring timelier access and improved clinical outcomes. It is estimated that these additional services will reduce hospital admissions by approximately 480 bed days each year, which equates to $1.4 million annually.
Physiotherapy students from the University of Canberra will work at the UC Health Clinics as part of their work-integrated learning placements, under the close supervision of experienced CHS clinical staff.
Minister for Health, Dr Marisa Paterson, welcomed the partnership between Canberra Health Services and the University of Canberra.
“The ACT Government is committed to delivering high-quality healthcare closer to home for Canberrans. Expanding these services will enable more targeted care, improve patient outcomes, and support a more efficient and responsive public health system.
“The expansion of pulmonary rehabilitation services is a positive outcome for Canberrans living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who will be able to access the support they need sooner, at a convenient northside or southside location.
“This arrangement is also helping to build our allied professional workforce of the future through high-quality, supervised training for University of Canberra students in a clinical setting.
Quotes attributable to Emily Heckendorf, Physiotherapy Manager at Canberra Health Services:
“There is a rising prevalence of COPD in our community, and with pressures such as an ageing population, it is expected that demand for pulmonary rehabilitation services will grow in the future.
“This model is designed to improve access and, importantly, it aligns with evidence-based chronic disease management principles that emphasise early intervention and community-based care.”
Quotes attributable to Professor The Honourable Bill Shorten, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra:
“Expanding access to pulmonary rehabilitation will improve health outcomes, reduce hospitalisations and create clinical learning opportunities for our students, setting them up for when they enter the workforce.
“This is a win-win for UC students and Canberrans. Universities have a responsibility to educate future professionals and contribute to solving the challenges facing our communities today. This partnership does both.
“Together with Canberra Health Services, we are demonstrating the value of collaborations between education and healthcare and how they can deliver lasting benefits for the ACT community.”
Quotes attributable to Professor Bernie Bissett, Deputy Dean of the University of Canberra’s Faculty of Health:
“The Faculty of Health at the University of Canberra is delighted to have collaborated with CHS staff to bring this project to life. We see the value of improving access to Pulmonary Rehabilitation to more people in the Canberra region, and the UC Health Clinics is the perfect home for Pulmonary Rehab for Canberra’s northsiders.
“We also know that expansion of this program helps us expertly train our future workforce of allied health professionals to deliver evidence-based and person-centred care, which is what we are all about at UC. This is the latest chapter in a history of close collaboration between UC and CHS, and we will continue to be a strong alliance in workforce development for the Canberra region now and into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Alicia Goodwin, General Manager, Clinical Programs, Research and Innovation, Lung Foundation Australia:
“We welcome the ACT Government’s investment in two additional pulmonary rehabilitation programs, delivered in partnership with Canberra Health Services and the University of Canberra. This expansion responds to a clear and longstanding need for greater access to these vital services across the Territory.
“Pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the most effective non-pharmacological interventions available for people living with chronic lung disease. It helps people manage their symptoms, remain active and independent, improve their quality of life and reduce their risk of hospitalisation.
“With demand having outstripped capacity for some time, this funding will help more people access evidence-based care sooner and closer to home, including through the new program at UC Health Clinics.
“We commend the ACT Government and Canberra Health Services for prioritising respiratory care and look forward to continuing to work together to improve lung health outcomes for people across the ACT.”
