Reid unveils plan to help sufferers of chronic diseases

A new initiative to help people suffering from long-term chronic diseases like asthma and diabetes has been unveiled by the Health Secretary today.

Under the plans, specialist teams across the country will provide advice, care and treatment for chronic disease – often cutting out the need for visits to GPs and hospitals.

In the UK, there are some 17.5 million people living with chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma. The World Health Organisation estimates that by 2030 the incidence of chronic disease in the over 65s will have doubled.

People with chronic diseases account for up to 80% of GP consultations - around 180 million visits a year, government figures have shown.

Existing chronic disease management schemes in the US have cut hospital admissions among the target group of patients by up to 50% - and these approaches are currently being tested by the NHS.

Speaking at a Guardian conference 'Managing new realities - integrating the care landscape' in Birmingham, John Reid said: "Chronic disease has a huge impact on people's quality of life and on their families, and it consumes a large proportion of health and social care resources. There is a lot happening already, both nationally and locally to introduce better chronic disease management. But this needs to spread. That is why we are launching a programme to establish case management demonstrator sites within each Strategic Health Authority, building on PCTs' existing experience of developing and implementing these approaches."

The results of a pilot of active management of conditions at Castlefields Health Centre (UK) showed a 15% reduction in admissions for older people and the average length of stay fell by 31%, from 6.2 days to 4.3 days.

(gmcg)