Respiratory disease affects one in five people in England and is the third largest cause of death, with around 68,000 people dying every year. (Source: Public Health England)
Incidence and mortality rates are worse in deprived areas and for disadvantaged groups. From 2017 to 2019 in England, early mortality from respiratory disease was 2.9 times higher in the most deprived areas compared to the highest socioeconomic areas, contributing no small part to the widening life expectancy gap (Source: The Marmot Review).
We’re supporting the ambition outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan to detect and diagnose respiratory problems sooner while increasing equal access to testing. Respiratory rehabilitation, medication and digital tools will play a key part here, ensuring an improved quality of life and enabling people to self-manage conditions.
Our initiatives aim to enhance severe asthma management and improve asthma care pathways for all patients. We’re also accelerating access to a number of innovations along the severe asthma pathway that will support faster diagnosis and optimised treatments.
