NHS project to help those with COPD

An NHS trust is introducing a new programme which aims to improve care for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and reduce hospital admissions.

University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) NHS Trust has secured £250,000 in national funding to improve how respiratory care is delivered across communities in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire with a historic mining heritage.

Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire currently have the highest COPD admission rates in the country, with about 950 admissions per 100,000 people each year.

The project brings together health partners and local mining charities to focus on earlier diagnosis and better specialist support in the community.

Dr Ajit Thomas, consultant respiratory physician, said: "COPD is a major challenge locally, with admission rates significantly higher than the national average.

"This funding will allow us to build on the work we've already started with our partners to improve how respiratory care is delivered.

"By working more closely with primary care, community services and local mining charities, we want to identify patients earlier, provide more specialist support in the community and help people stay healthier for longer.

"This project has the potential to make a real difference to respiratory patients across our communities and reduce avoidable hospital admissions."

The work will be supported by the Health Innovation Network and Health Innovation Oxford & Thames Valley, who will help evaluate the project and measure improvements in patient outcomes.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.