Posted on: 2 March 2026
Poul, a long-haul flight attendant, is back in the skies after a life-changing cardiac event - thanks to specialist rehabilitation support that helped him rebuild his strength, confidence and belief in returning to work.
Last year, Poul experienced a serious heart event that required six stents and two angioplasties. At his lowest point, he could only walk about 50 yards. The walk to his aeroplane takes around 20 minutes. He was also worried about oxygen levels in the air and whether flying would ever feel safe again. He thought he would never return to work - and certainly not to the job he loves.
Through a referral to the Mid Yorkshire Cardiac Rehabilitation team’s occupational therapy service, funded by the Healthy Working Life programme, Poul received coordinated support from an occupational therapist, nurse and physiotherapist. Together, the team focused not just on his physical recovery, but on supporting his goal of returning to work.
In a short video, Poul shares his experience of the joined-up care he received and how cardiac rehabilitation helped him regain confidence in a safe, supportive environment. Gym-based rehabilitation allowed him to gradually push himself, rebuild stamina and see clear progress.
Poul says: “The whole cardiac team has been fantastic. Everything has been positive. I can’t emphasise how good the rehab team has been.”
His story demonstrates the impact of introducing occupational therapy into cardiac rehabilitation. Until recently, there was no occupational therapy input within the service. That changed in 2024, and with Healthy Working Life funding from April 2025, the team has expanded to offer dedicated occupational therapy support to working-age adults.
Occupational therapists provide one-to-one rehabilitation sessions, advice on managing fatigue and sleep and tailored support for returning to work. They offer flexible appointments, clear work-focused guidance for patients and employers - and help with phased return plans and health and work reports.
Previously, many patients would have had no specialist support to guide them back into employment after a cardiac event. Now, they are supported from the point of referral through to a successful return to work and beyond.
Other patients in similar situations consistently describe the service as pivotal in rebuilding confidence, managing fatigue, planning phased returns and navigating conversations with employers.
Since recording the video, Poul has passed his aviation medical test and is now back doing what he loves - a powerful example of how the right rehabilitation support can transform recovery into positive health and work outcomes.
Healthy Working Life is a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board. Find out more on our Healthy Working Life website pages.