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Respiratory Health

14 November 2024

Lead MP

Jim Shannon
Strangford
DUP

Responding Minister

Karin Smyth

Tags

NHS
Word Count: 13410
Other Contributors: 6

At a Glance

Jim Shannon raised concerns about respiratory health in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

The hon. Member asks the Minister to confirm that respiratory health will be prioritised by the Government and to provide details on how the three shifts from the Darzi report will impact those with respiratory health issues. He also requests confirmation that spirometry testing, an essential diagnostic tool for asthma and COPD, will be rolled out widely, especially in deprived areas. The Member urges the Minister to review the national screening committee's guidance on COPD which has not been updated since 2019, and to ensure full support for implementing new guidelines on overprescribing of SABA inhalers.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Strangford
Opened the debate
The hon. Member for Strangford is concerned about the high mortality rates and hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD, noting that 7.2 million people have asthma while 3 million are affected by COPD in the UK. He highlights worrying figures showing poorly controlled respiratory disease results in a doubling of hospital admissions during winter, with COPD exacerbations being the second most common cause of emergency hospital admissions. The uptake of biologics for severe asthma is reported to be only 16% nationally, ranging from 2% to 29%, far below the expected target of 50-60%. Additionally, adults in the poorest 10% are more than two and a half times as likely to have COPD compared to the most affluent.

Government Response

Karin Smyth
Government Response
Responded to concerns about respiratory health by outlining the Government's initiatives such as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which aims to create a smoke-free generation. Noted commitments to improving air quality through a clean air strategy, supporting household energy efficiency with £3.4 billion over three years, addressing health inequalities, enhancing NHS services for early diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases, and encouraging vaccination uptake.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.