The Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists (ARNS) and Royal College of Nursing (RCN) have provided joint evidence to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Respiratory Health inquiry into respiratory deaths.
The evidence suggests that respiratory illnesses such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) often have a low profile and are poorly resourced in comparison to other conditions.
Ahead of the publication of a national inquiry into asthma deaths, the ARNS and RCN are calling for greater awareness of the effects of respiratory conditions, and the positive difference which can be made by extending access to highly trained specialist nurses. Specialist nurses can offer support and advice to help patients to manage their conditions. However, there is an atlas of variability across the UK, with patients in some areas being unable to access support.
Respiratory nurses are calling for the following changes:
• Increased investment in public awareness of respiratory conditions, and smoking cessation messages targeted at 16-24 year olds.
• Investing in education and support for nonspecialists who encounter respiratory illnesses regularly, for example Practice Nurses.
• Encouraging early diagnosis of COPD via a targeted screening programme.
• Introduce a nurse lead for asthma and COPD in every Clinical Commissioning Group.
Rebecca Sherrington, chair, Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists, said: “Respiratory disease affects one in five people in the UK. The UK’s mortality rates for respiratory conditions are among the highest in Europe. ARNS therefore welcomes this inquiry, as it provides the opportunity to evaluate and focus on changes to health policy and clinical practice, which will ultimately improve patient care.”
