Charity Welcomes NI Move To Combat Respiratory Disease

A local health charity, the NI Chest Heart & Stroke (NICHS) has welcomed NI Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey's announcement on a new framework to combat and to prevent emphysema, bronchitis, asthma and other lung diseases.

Minister McGimpsey revealed the new standards for the treatment and care of people suffering and at risk from respiratory disease today.

He said that the "Service Framework for Respiratory Health and Well-being" will be supported with an investment of at least £2.5 million for the implementation of the framework as well as £3.2 million to support people suffering from asthma bronchitis and emphysema.

This will include improving access to drugs and services as well as the development of community services to allow people to manage their condition at home.

"These illnesses are long-term conditions. They greatly reduce the quality of life of those individuals who suffer them," he said.

Andrew Dougal, Chief Executive of the NICHS (pictured) said: "In addition to the 1,900 deaths each year a huge amount of suffering is encountered over years and sometimes decades of individuals suffering lung disease.

"In recent months, with the help of the Big Lottery, NI Chest Heart & Stroke has been establishing respiratory support groups in every part of Northern Ireland," he said.

"The charity has also decided to introduce programmes to encourage individuals to self-manage their condition.

"This will greatly reduce the suffering of individuals, will reduce the number of times individuals attend at A&E and reduce the number of unnecessary admissions to hospital. It is essential that extensive support is put in place in the community to empower individuals to deal with their condition much more effectively," revealing that both Asthma UK and NI Chest Heart & Stroke will be involved in consultation sessions in the upcoming months.

Members of the public who suffer from these illnesses and their families will be invited to attend such consultation sessions.

"It is very positive that additional resources are being put into these diseases which in the past have been neglected," Mr Dougal continued.

"It is also very positive to know that the quality of service will be the same throughout every part of Northern Ireland. No longer will the postcode lottery affect those suffering from serious chest disease."

(BMcC/JM)