Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also sometimes known as chronic asthma, bronchitis or emphysema, is an important health problem. Many people with COPD are admitted into hospital with a worsening of their symptoms, known as an exacerbation. Hospitalisations for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are a massive burden to the NHS. Over the past decade, these hospitalizations have increased by 50%, and annual hospital costs for COPD in the UK amount to more than £587 million. After being discharged, some people fail to cope very well due to a variety of reasons. A prolonged stay in hospital may lead to muscle weakness, particularly of the leg muscles [1], a loss of confidence in performing everyday activities, and increased anxiety [2]. A high proportion of these patients are re−admitted to hospital following discharge. The aim of the study is to assess whether attendance at an exercise training and education programme shortly following discharge can firstly, improve exercise capacity and quality of life, and secondly, reduce the use of health resources and costs to the NHS.