Funding for respiratory disease fight

A strategy aimed at reducing the impact of respiratory disease is being launched by the government in Northern Ireland, the first of its kind in the UK.

The ?3 million investment announced by health minister Shaun Woodward is to fund the ten year framework outlined in the policy A Healthier Future: A Strategic Framework for Respiratory Conditions.

“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,” said Mr Woodward.

“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.”

Consultations with many different groups were carried out during the generation of the policy, including discussions with primary care professionals, professional bodies, training organisations and other government departments.

Respiratory conditions are responsible for the death of 2,000 people each year in Northern Ireland alone.

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