Jun 9 2005
Respiratory conditions kill over 2,000 people in Northern Ireland every year.
'A Healthier Future: A Strategic Framework for Respiratory Conditions', is a consultation document which sets out a 10-year framework for preventing respiratory disease, and for improving treatment and care for people with respiratory conditions.
Respiratory disease accounts for nearly 15% of all deaths in Northern Ireland and is a significant cause of disability in society. In 2002/03, there were almost 30,000 admissions to hospital due to respiratory conditions using over 180,000 bed days and costing almost £50m.
Launching the consultation, Health Minister Shaun Woodward said: "Thousands of people here suffer from respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, causing a huge health and economic burden on individuals, families and carers, and the community.
"This policy document is the first of its kind for respiratory conditions in the UK. It sets out how with better prevention, self-management, treatment, care and rehabilitation we can reduce ill health and contribute to a reduction in avoidable deaths.
"The recommendations made in this framework document place an emphasis on the action needed to support people to make better decisions about their health such as, stopping smoking, promoting better nutrition and exercise, reducing obesity and improving infection control.
"The proposals also herald changes to the organisation and design of services for people with respiratory disease to provide more responsive and effective services to patients in the community with access to specialist services when they need them."
The consultation will be targeted at Health and Social Services Boards, Trusts and primary care professionals, professional bodies and training organisations, other government departments, and local and national respiratory support organisations involved with patients, families and carers.
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