NHS action plan on COPD launched

The government has announced the launch of a new action plan that aims to improve diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the UK.

A new strategy has been unveiled by the Department of Health with the aim of reducing variations in COPD diagnosis and care quality across Britain, ensuring better treatments are made available and serious conditions are identified in a timely manner.

Currently, it is estimated that two million people with COPD are yet to be diagnosed, with the disease being primarily caused by smoking and causing around 23,000 deaths a year.

Around one billion pounds a year are spent on treating COPD, but it is estimated that it costs nearly ten times more to treat severe COPD than milder forms, meaning better diagnosis could offer economic and health benefits.

Health minister Simon Burns said: "With proper diagnosis and treatment we can make a big difference in the quality of life for people with COPD and asthma, and save the NHS money at the same time."

The government is also trying to curb lung disease rates by taking action to discourage smoking, with a consultation currently being carried out on the potential introduction of standardised plain packaging for cigarettes.