MSP Graham Simpson met with Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, formerly Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Scotland, outside the Scottish Parliament recently to support the launch of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland.
Lung disease is one of the top three killers in Scotland, with one in five people diagnosed with a lung condition at some point in their lives. Analysis from Asthma + Lung UK Scotland shows that each year in Scotland more than 7,000 people are dying from lung conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease.
Mr Simpson met with the charity to support the launch of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland who described the state of lung health in Scotland as ‘shameful’. Scotland is one of the countries in Europe with the highest death rate for lung conditions.
Asthma + Lung UK Scotland is calling for lung condition needs to be treated as seriously as other major illnesses, including heart disease and cancer, with the charity emphasising that everyone has the right to breathe. The charity also says it is vital that there is more funding into research of lung conditions to help tackle the high death rates and increase in hospital admissions. Currently in the UK, only 2% of publicly funded research is spent on researching lung conditions.
Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland said: “It was great that MSPs across the party divide engaged with us to help support our new name and strategy.
“Sadly, the state of lung health in Scotland is shameful with over 7,000 lives lost every year.
“For far too long lung conditions have been treated like the poor relation compared to other major illnesses like cancer and heart disease, with only 2% of publicly funded research spent on understanding them and finding treatments, and negative attitudes preventing people getting early diagnoses, treatment and care. We need urgent action now.
“We need more NHS funding so people can be better diagnosed more quickly, enabling them to go on to receive the appropriate treatment and care they need.
“We are campaigning for lung health to be treated as a national priority and fight for a Scotland where everyone can breathe clean air with healthy lungs.”
Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland said: “It was a privilege to meet with Asthma + Lung UK Scotland and people living with lung conditions, at the Scottish Parliament. I am grateful for the work Asthma + Lung UK Scotland is doing to support the one in five diagnosed with a lung condition as they fight for better lung health across Scotland.
“As an MSP for Central Scotland, I will work to support my constituents get better diagnosis, care and treatment for their lung conditions and to help reduce the impact that breathlessness can have on the everyday lives of people with lung conditions.
“Any person who has concerns about their lung health should see a GP where possible or visit www.asthmaandlung.org.uk or call the Asthma + Lung UK helpline on 0300 222 5800.”
[ENDS]
Notes to editors:
1. Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation merged in 2020 and launched the new single brand on Monday 28 February 2022. - https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/
2. A new strategy was issued alongside the rebrand - https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/ALUK_Fighting_for_Breath_Strategy_to_2027_report_v6.pdf
