Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, has welcomed the launch of a Respiratory Health Delivery Plan by the Welsh Government which will set out how the NHS will deliver on its responsibility to meet the needs of people at risk of developing, or affected by, a wide variety of acute and chronic lung conditions. It also sets out action to promote good lung health.
At an event in the Senedd hosted by the Mid and West Wales AM today, the Welsh Health Minister Mark Drakeford launched the Respiratory Health Delivery Plan for Wales following an in depth consultation with clinicians, NHS managers and people living with chronic lung conditions. The event which was organised in conjunction with the British Lung Foundation (BLF) Wales and the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) Wales offered politicians and members of the public the opportunity to discuss with practitioners across all relevant fields of health and social care how the National Plan for Respiratory services can be implemented to raise the profile of lung health. It was also an opportunity to share examples of good practice from across Wales.
Mrs Evans, who is also a member of the Health and Social Care Committee, said:
“The launch of the respiratory plan today marks a significant step forward in the diagnosis, treatment, and care and support of people with poor lung health. It also puts a renewed focus on helping people understand and maintain their own good lung health.
“The key to improvement, however, will be in the delivery of the plan, and I hope that today’s event will be a springboard to its successful implementation.”
Launching the plan, the Health Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“Respiratory disease is the cause of one in seven of all deaths in Wales – the third largest cause of death for both women and men in Wales.
“To achieve the best possible outcomes for patients with a respiratory condition they need to be fully involved in their care, whether it is that of a child and their family managing a new diagnosis of asthma, or an elderly patient with a terminal diagnosis considering options for palliative care. Patient education and co-production of personalised care need to be part of the patient’s care pathway.”
Robyn Miles, Chair of the ABPI Cymru Wales Respiratory Therapy Group, said:
“Lung Health in Wales is a big issue not only for those who suffer from poor lung health but for the health service itself.”
Chris Mullholland, Head of the BLF Wales added:
“We welcome the launch of the respiratory plan, lung disease affects up to 1 in 5 people in Wales and this needs to become a tipping point for action to improving services for people with poor lung health.”
