Saving Your Breath: Help us fix respiratory care in the UK
Respiratory care in the UK is in crisis. People with lung conditions are suffering – and even dying - needlessly. That’s why we’ve launched a new campaign to ensure people living with lung conditions get the care and treatment they desperately need. Our CEO, Sarah Woolnough, explains why we need to do more to get the government’s attention, and how you can help.
Respiratory care in the UK is in crisis
Right now, respiratory care in the UK simply isn’t good enough. Lung conditions are the third biggest killer in the UK, and we have the worst death rate from lung disease in Europe.
Every day, people are struggling to get an accurate diagnosis, the right treatment, and the support they need to stay well. And those living in the poorest areas are much more likely to die from their lung condition.
The economic cost of lung conditions
Ignoring lung disease doesn’t just cost lives. It costs money. Our new report reveals that lung conditions cost the NHS almost £10bn each year. Most of this is spent treating people who have become critically ill and need urgent help because they weren't given the support they needed to stay well.
Despite this, lung diseases have been badly overlooked. Other major killers such as cardiovascular disease have seen significant improvement in recent years, but lung health has stood still.
We’re fighting to fix respiratory care
People with lung conditions deserve better. That’s why we’ve launched our new campaign, Saving Your Breath. But we need your help to make the government take lung health seriously. By adding your name, you’re telling politicians that people with lung conditions won’t be ignored.
Our blueprint for lung health
We’re calling for the government to give everyone with a lung condition the care they need – and save lives – by following our three-step plan:
Ramp up and fully fund testing to make sure everyone who needs it can get an early and accurate diagnosis.
Support everyone with a lung condition to stay healthy by improving data and monitoring, including annual reviews with a medical professional.
Improve access to the medications and treatments that work so people with lung conditions have the best possible chance to live well.
If these changes were made it could save the NHS £307m a year, reduce hospital bed days by just over 272,000 a year, and improve the quality of life of the six million people living with a lung condition in the UK.
To find out more and read the full report click here.
