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I'm worried that lack of future funding will Stop our Pulmon...

Posted By blackbirdpq63

"I'm worried that lack of future funding will Stop our Pulmonary Rehab at Cockburn"

About: Community Physiotherapy Service (CPS)

(as the patient),

We have been told that after December, there may not be a service available at Cockburn.

My story: I have Familial Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis there is no known cause, and there is no cure. I was diagnosed in October 2021. I'm currently on oxygen for exertion.

I need to do pulmonary rehab 3 times a week at least, to help with my lungs, breathing, and keeping fit to be eligible for a lung transplant when the time comes. Unfortunately, with this disease, it could progress quickly.

At Cockburn they have 3 sessions a week for people like myself suffering with respiratory problems there is about 40 people registered for rehab.

Prior to attending I used to attend FSH pulmonary rehab. The parking problem there is getting impossible to attend. I still have to attend once a month at FSH rehab as to not lose my spot for future lung transplant listing. I have attended FSH and not been able to attend my rehab class due to No parking.

At least at Cockburn I know even if I have to walk from shopping centre carpark with my oxygen tank I will be able to attend my class. We are well supervised by physio and students for education and answers on any ongoing lung health issues.

Our biggest concern is If we don't have Preventative health care like we do now, we are going to be back to hospital with more breathing and respiratory issues. That would not be a good outcome for any of us Or for the hospitals.

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Responses

Response from Hannah Whiting, Acting Executive Director, Clinical Service Planning and Population Health, South Metropolitan Health Service 2 weeks ago
Hannah Whiting
Acting Executive Director, Clinical Service Planning and Population Health,
South Metropolitan Health Service

Submitted on 18/08/2026 at 2:58 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 3:02 PM

picture of Hannah Whiting

Dear blackbirdpq63

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and concerns regarding the pulmonary rehabilitation service at Cockburn.

Firstly, I want to acknowledge the challenges you are facing living with Familial Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. We appreciate you sharing how important pulmonary rehabilitation is in helping you maintain your lung function, manage your symptoms, remain active, and support your eligibility for a future lung transplant.

We recognise your concern around the potential loss of a local pulmonary rehabilitation service and the important role preventative and community-based services play in helping people manage their conditions and maintain their quality of life. At this stage, planning beyond December is still being considered and we are actively exploring options to attempt to secure ongoing funding for the service at Cockburn.

Please be assured that feedback such as yours is valuable and helps us demonstrate the impact these services have on consumers and the broader community. Your comments will be shared with the relevant teams as part of ongoing discussions regarding future service delivery and funding opportunities.

Thank you again for raising your concerns and for sharing your personal experience. We understand how important this service is to you and many others who rely on it, and we appreciate your advocacy for continued access to pulmonary rehabilitation in the community.

Kind regards,

Hannah Whiting

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