COPD singing group strikes a chord with patients

A singing group to help people suffering from lung conditions has hit the right note with patients at Wye Valley NHS Trust.

The “Singing for Lung Health” group meets on Wednesdays under the expert tuition of professional singer Annie Summers.

It was a special day on Weds, November 20, when the weekly session coincided with World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) day.

COPD is an umbrella term which describes progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic asthma – which are characterised by increasing breathlessness.

“Singing requires effort for muscle contraction and co-ordination which benefits patients with COPD and other chronic lung diseases causing breathlessness,” said Ingrid Du Rand, consultant in respiratory at Wye Valley NHS Trust.

“The weekly sessions are helping patients to breathe better, reduce stress and have fun and meet new friends,” added Ingrid.

Annie Summers, who leads the sessions, is a professional singer who has completed a British Lung Foundation endorsed training course to provide safe and relevant singing instruction to people with lung conditions.

The group meets on Wednesdays at the Salvation Army hall on Canonmoor Street, Hereford.

“Those who attend are having fun and are finding the sessions very beneficial. It was great that we had a session taking place on World COPD Day.”

Anyone wanting more information about the sessions can contact the Pulmonary rehab team at the Trust on 01432 355444 ext 5251 or ext 4241.