Strategy to reduce respiratory disease launched

Northern Ireland is leading the way with a strategy aimed at reducing the impact of respiratory disease which kills over 2,000 people here every year, the Department of Health has said.

Launching ‘A Healthier Future: A Strategic Framework for Respiratory Conditions’, a consultation document which sets out a 10-year framework for preventing respiratory disease, Health Minister Shaun Woodward said thousands of people in Northern Ireland suffer from respiratory diseases, which in turn causes a huge health and economic burden on individuals, families and carers, and the community.

"This policy document is the first of its kind for respiratory conditions in the UK,” the Minister said. “It sets out how with better prevention, self-management, treatment, care and rehabilitation we can reduce ill health and contribute to a reduction in avoidable deaths.”

Respiratory disease covers a wide range of illnesses such as asthma, chest infections, sleep disorders and chronic bronchitis together with many other conditions associated with smoking, the environment and occupation.

Respiratory disease accounts for nearly 15% of all deaths in Northern Ireland and is a significant cause of disability in society.

In 2002/03, there were almost 30,000 admissions to hospital due to respiratory conditions using over 180,000 bed days and costing almost £50 million.

(MB/SP)