Respiratory disease missing from government’s early screening plans, says British Lung Foundation - 01/04/08

The British Lung Foundation was today left disappointed by the Governments failure to include respiratory disease, when announcing early screening for patients in England.

The Government outlined plans to offer health checks to everyone aged 40 to 74 for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.

Ministers believe the assessments will save lives and cut the number of people affected by these conditions.

Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation said, “Respiratory disease is the UK’s second biggest killer and places a huge financial burden on the NHS yet it is ‘the bit missing’ from the government’s early screening plans announced today. A simple lung test in primary care can detect lung problems such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and other chronic respiratory problems and could bring huge benefits in early detection, particularly in deprived areas of the UK. If the government is committed to reducing health inequalities then it is essential they introduce a respiratory screening programme as soon as possible as it will help to save millions of lives.”

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