New Plan to Tackle Respiratory Disease
Posted on: Wednesday, 13 July 2005, 12:00 CDT
THE Government has unveiled a new strategy to combat the 2,000 people who are killed by respiratory disease in Northern Ireland each year.
The consultation document sets out a 10-year framework for preventing respiratory disease and improving treatment and care for those suffering from it.
The document, called 'A Healthier Future: A Strategic Framework for Respiratory Conditions', aims to reduce some of the startling figures associated with respiratory disease.
The condition accounts for nearly 15 per cent of deaths in Northern Ireland, and in 2002/3 there were almost 30,000 admissions to hospital due to respiratory conditions using over 180,000 bed days and costing almost pounds 50 million.
Health Minister Shaun Woodward launched the consultation document, saying: "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."
Respiratory disease includes illnesses such as asthma, chest infections, sleep disorders and chronic bronchitis, together with other conditions associated with smoking, the environment and work conditions.
"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," added Mr Woodward.
Source: Belfast News Letter, The
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