Lung disease sufferers hit by body blow

Oldham’s lung disease lobby group Breathe Easy is urging the Government to rethink plans to slash NHS resources.

The group has written to MP Michael Meacher, urging him to raise the issue in Parliament.

Spokesman Richard Tilbury explained that reforms will see major diseases supported through “Strategic Clinical Networks” (SCNs) – with cancer, heart disease, diabetes and maternity services, among others, set to receive support, resources and funding. Lung disease has not been included in the list.

Mr Tilbury said: “Only last year the Department of Health pledged to prioritise care for people, like myself, who live with a respiratory disease.

“We are surprised and deeply concerned that respiratory disease appears to be the only major area for which networks are to be denied central funding.”

Dr Penny Woods, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation, also expressed concern at the plans.

She said: “It is very concerning that there is currently no place for respiratory disease within the new Strategic Clinical Networks.

“We are in discussion with the NHS Commissioning Board Authority to try to ensure that an arrangement is reached.”


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