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Burstow calls for more support for lung disease sufferers
July 18, 2004 12:00 AM
Sutton and Cheam MP, Paul Burstow, is to press the local NHS to expand its help to people with lung disease following a meeting with members of the local British Lung Foundation Breathe Easy Club.
Mr Burstow was the guest speaker at the Annual General Meeting of the Merton and Sutton Breathe Easy Club at the St Bedes Conference Centre in North Cheam on Thursday (15th July). The local MP talked about the effect lung disease can have on the lives of suffers and their families.
Locally there are over 3,500 people diagnosed with the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The condition is the only major cause of death which is on the rise in the UK. It is estimated that across the country only 1 in 4 people with the disease have been diagnosed, which could mean as many as 14,000 people in Sutton have the condition.
Member of the local Breathe Easy Club told Paul Burstow about their concerns about the shortage of pulmonary rehabilitation sessions, the difficulty of getting any follow-up rehabilitation at a later date and the fact that they have to pay for portable nebulisers.
Commenting Paul Burstow MP said:
"Lung disease is a Cinderella condition, those who suffer can become prisoners of their own fear of a lung attack where they struggle for breathe. A vicious cycle sets in which robs them of even the smallest pleasures in life.
"Access to rehabilitation can transform the lives of suffers. A combination of exercise and education puts the person back in charge of their health, it can make a huge difference to their quality of life.
"Although St Helier runs some sessions their future is in doubt. I am seeking an assurance from local NHS management that the rehabilitation service is secure and will be expanded."
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