Supporting the recovery of lung surgery patients with new rehabilitation equipment

At Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, we’re proud to support projects that make a positive impact to patient care. We recently provided £3,944 from charitable funds to support a new prehabilitation and rehabilitation programme for thoracic surgery patients at Basildon’s Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC)— an important step in improving outcomes for those undergoing complex lung procedures.

This funding has allowed the purchase of five smartwatches and two specialist exercise bikes, now in use on Chelmer Ward. The new items play an important role in both prehabilitation — a process that prepares patients physically for surgery — and rehabilitation, which supports a smoother, recovery post-operation.

Thoracic surgery, including cancer procedures and remodelling of lung in severe emphysema, places a significant strain on the body. Enhancing lung capacity and physical resilience before surgery can improve recovery time and reduce complications. Post surgery, a structured rehabilitation plan helps patients regain strength and independence more quickly.

Mr Badran, Consultant Thoracic Surgeon at the CTC, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity and their supporters for supporting this important initiative. Lung and chest surgery is the gold standard in curative treatments for lung cancer and helping patients with life threatening emergency conditions.

“Many thoracic patients have damaged lungs from smoking and need to lose some of their lung for treatment. This programme adds a crucial layer of support to enhance outcomes and speed up recovery. The resources go beyond what the NHS is currently able to provide and will help us better monitor and guide our patients through recovery.”

Initially piloted with five patients, the long-term goal is to expand this evidence-based initiative to a wider group of up to 30 patients — ensuring even more individuals benefit from a personalised, data-informed approach to surgical recovery.