Category: Information

📈 Rising burden — more people affected, more hospital admissions

• New data show that emergency hospital admissions for respiratory disease (including COPD) have surged in 2024–25. The Independent+2NHS England+2
• Specifically, COPD admissions reached roughly 208 per 100,000 population in the year ending 2024 — a 9% increase compared to the previous year. GOV.UK
• This uptick reflects not just seasonal pressure but a “structural” challenge — with prevalence of COPD increasing as the population ages, and with more people living with long-term respiratory disease. HFMA+2GOV.UK+2
• According to recent estimates, there are about 1.7 million people in the UK living with diagnosed COPD, and up to 600,000 more people likely undiagnosed. Asthma + Lung UK+2sanofi.co.uk+2

🧪 Better diagnosis: new tools and updated guidelines

• In November 2025 the UK rolled out a new, faster diagnostic approach for COPD — described as a “revolutionary” alternative to decades-old spirometry testing. This aims to improve diagnosis times and help patients access treatment sooner. PharmiWeb.com
• At the same time, the global guideline for COPD — GOLD Report 2025 — has been updated. The 2025 version refines diagnostic criteria (for example, when to use pre- vs post-bronchodilator spirometry) and reinforces the importance of early detection for better long-term outcomes. goldcopd.org+1

🚨 Winter pressures — COPD at risk when cold sets in

• Respiratory specialists warn that hospital admissions for COPD and other lung conditions typically spike in winter. NHS England+2NHS England+2
• As colder weather comes, people with COPD are encouraged to take extra precautions — including flu and COVID-19 vaccinations where offered, keeping warm, and seeking early treatment if symptoms worsen. NHS England+2NHS England+2

⚠️ Inequalities remain — COPD hits hardest in deprived communities

• COPD remains strongly linked to social and economic inequality. People living in more deprived areas are far more likely to have COPD than those in wealthier communities. sanofi.co.uk+2Usher Institute+2
• There is concern about under-diagnosis and delays in diagnosis. Some people wait many years before receiving a diagnosis — missing out on early interventions that can improve quality of life and slow disease progression. Hansard+2Asthma + Lung UK+2

📣 Dialogue on care standards and policy — calls for better services

• On 20 November 2025, the UK Parliament debated the state of COPD care in connection with World COPD Day. During the debate, MPs highlighted the need for improved diagnosis rates, faster access to pulmonary rehabilitation, better social care support, and more consistent care across the country. Hansard+2NHS England+2
• National audits show that many hospital admissions for COPD are not managed in specialist respiratory wards, and access to respiratory specialist care remains limited — especially outside major centres. RCP+2British Thoracic Society+2
• The annual cost to the NHS remains very high — respiratory diseases (including COPD and asthma) account for multiple billions of pounds each year. NHS England+1

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✅ What this means for Cornwall Breathers & Local COPD Patients

• Higher urgency for early diagnosis — with new diagnostic tools now available, people who have persistent cough, breathlessness or phlegm (especially smokers, ex-smokers, or those exposed to dust/air pollution) should consider asking their GP for assessment.
• Winter readiness is essential — cold weather, respiratory viruses and seasonal flu pose particular risks. COPD patients should be reminded to keep warm, take vaccinations if eligible, and follow their management plans.
• Reach-out needed — many living with COPD remain undiagnosed, especially in deprived or rural areas. Local outreach, awareness campaigns, and easier access to testing and rehabilitation could make a big difference.
• Inequality matters — COPD disproportionately affects people in deprived communities. Health and social care planners should prioritise equitable access to care, especially in under-served areas.
• Advocacy remains vital — as national debates show, there is a continuing need to push for resources: faster diagnosis, more respiratory specialists, comprehensive rehab services, and support for social care.

A new self-help group starts from Thursday 24th October 2024.

Its the Launceston Breathers Group, which will meet Thursday 24th October @ 1pm, at the Launceston Health Hub, on 8 Exeter Street, Launceston.

All welcome to find out more on COPD and related conditions, and ways that you can help to manage your condition.

Cornwall Breathers have successfully fundraised to provide a defibrillator on the site of Liskerrett Community Centre, Liskeard in memory of one of our founding trustees, Michael Elliott who sadly passed away in May 2023.

Local electrician Mark Green gave his time to install it on RestartAHeartDay October 2023.

Cornwall Breathers have been awarded a £5,000 grant from VCSE Health Improvement Fund managed by Cornwall Community Foundation. The funding has been awarded to set up five new self-help expert patient groups for COPD patients throughout the County of Cornwall. The groups will aim to educate their members about their condition and offer practical solutions including suitable exercise to help them manage their conditions in a supportive group environment. An initial period of intensive support will be followed up by regular networking and support from similar self-help groups already running in the County.

Groups are starting at St Austell, Launceston, and Looe, with two more to follow soon.

The funding also supports members from Cornwall Breathers going in to schools across the county to talk to young people about the dangers of smoking and vaping.

Thanks to donations from Liskeard Breathers Group, Trowbridge Estate and Lettings, Liskeard and fundraising collections at Morrisons, Liskeard, Cornwall Breathers have provided four television sets for Honeyford Ward, Derriford Hospital. Honeyford Ward is a COPD ward serving patients including from South East Cornwall.