Local MP Dean Russell met with national lung disease charity Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis on Wednesday 25th October at a national health event in the Houses of Parliament.
They discussed the work the charity is doing campaigning for people affected by pulmonary fibrosis (or lung scarring). Pulmonary fibrosis is a deadly lung disease that progressively scars your lungs until you can’t breathe. Currently there is no cure and life expectancy with pulmonary fibrosis is worse than many common cancers.
Dean was particularly interested in how more can be done both in parliament and across local services in Watford to improve local services for people with the disease, their carers, and families.
Dean is pleased to support Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis on raising awareness of the distinct challenges faced by people living with lung scarring in Watford. Tens of thousands of people in the UK are living with pulmonary fibrosis. Common symptoms are a persistent cough and breathlessness, but many people aren’t diagnosed until late and miss out on the support and treatments they need.
In a recent survey three quarters of people with pulmonary fibrosis (77%) say their GP didn’t tell them they might have pulmonary fibrosis before referring them to hospital, leaving patients unaware they’re living with a fatal lung disease. In addition, nearly a third (30%) of people in the UK have never heard of pulmonary fibrosis.
The meeting also welcomed Steve Milward and Carol Fielding, who both live with pulmonary fibrosis and are part of a local support group in northern England. They shared the group’s successes providing support for the local community, which they hope can be replicated by other groups around the country.
Dean said “I am delighted to support Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis in raising public awareness about the terminal lung disease, and in their work supporting patients and loved ones through the difficult diagnosis, and campaigning for change at the national level.”
“I can see that more needs to be done to support people living with pulmonary fibrosis and to improve their experience in the health service.”
“Pulmonary fibrosis is a devastating diagnosis, and those affected often have to fight for every aspect of their care” says Bradley Price, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis.
“For too long, access to pulmonary fibrosis care has been a postcode lottery, and more work is needed to ensure everyone has access to the best possible support.
“Action is needed to tackle the distinct challenges faced by people living with lung scarring, and Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis welcomes the support of Dean Russell MP in boosting awareness and putting this terminal lung condition on the political agenda.”
