The British Lung Foundation and South Tyneside NHS held a ‘Love Your Lungs’ campaign throughout January 2009 to alert South Tyneside residents to the symptoms of a common lung disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Why South Tyneside
South Tyneside was targeted after research by the charity showed that people in the city have a 62% greater risk of developing COPD than the UK average, this is the highest rate in England.
The BLF was keen to reach people who are unaware of the early symptoms which include breathlessness and a persistent cough. We therefore ran two events offering the public free lung function tests.
Key statistics – Lung Function Testing Events
657 residents of South Tyneside received a free lung function test
153 residents (23%) were advised to visit their GP for a follow up consultation
Key Statistics – Telemarketing
5000 residents were contacted and offered free information packs
1822 information packs were sent to those contacted
1176 of those we got in touch with requested further contact
Evaluation
69% of those asked felt the event had increased their awareness of COPD
28% felt the events had impacted their day to day behaviour
23% of those asked who were referred were diagnosed with COPD
South Tyneside Love your Lungs executive summary
If you have any questions about the campaign please contact us
