Backing for launch of lung health charity
Graham Simpson met with campaigners outside the Scottish Parliament to help launch Asthma + Lung UK Scotland.
The Central Scotland MSP chatted with representatives of the charity, formerly known as Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Scotland, and heard members of the organisation describe the state of lung health in Scotland as “shameful”.
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 7000 people are dying from lung conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and interstitial lung disease.
Mr Simpson told the Wishaw Press: “It was a privilege to meet with the charity and people living with lung conditions at the Scottish Parliament.
“As an MSP for Central Scotland, I will work to support my constituents to get a 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.”
Scotland is one of the countries in Europe with the highest death rate for lung conditions.
Asthma + Lung UK Scotland is calling for lung conditions 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 the research of lung conditions to help tackle the high death rates and increase in hospital admissions.
Currently, in the UK, only two per cent of publicly funded research is spent on researching lung conditions.
Head of the charity, Joseph Carter, told us: “The state of lung health in Scotland is shameful, with over 7000 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, and negative attitudes preventing people getting early diagnoses, treatment, and care.
“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 need urgent action now and 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.”
Any person who has concerns about their lung health should see a GP where possible, visit https://www.blf.org.uk/ or call the Asthma + Lung UK helpline on 0300 222 5800.