Donation fights lung disease

A GROUP of Oldham people with lung problems have made a lifesaving donation to health workers in a bid to help others breathe easy.

The gift is of four high-tech machines that highlight the damage done to lungs by smoking, which reduces lung function to that of a much older person.

The machines calculate the difference between people’s actual lung age and what it should be.

Donated by the support group Breatheasy, its members believe seeing the results of smoking can often shock people into kicking the habit. The devices will be taken on tour around the borough to help detect the early stages of lung disease.

The machines were handed over yesterday to the respiratory care team from Oldham Community Health Services, which is part of NHS Oldham.

Nurses collected them from Oldham’s Breatheasy group, a support group for people with lung problems which also works to raise awareness of lung disease.

A delighted Lynn Daniel, a British Lung Foundation nurse, said: “These monitors will help us in our battle to ensure a healthy future for Oldham’s communities.”

Dr Selwyn Hodge, chairman of Oldham’s Breatheasy group, said: “We are committed to helping people who have lung disease and trying to prevent others from getting it.

“Lung disease can really affect people’s quality of life, and as the number of people in Oldham who have it is above the national average, we aim to provide support in as many ways as we can.”

The machines will be used at public events, for health education, and at quit smoking sessions.