The third event of the British Lung Foundation (BLF) and NHS Hull ‘Love Your Lungs’ campaign took place this Wednesday in the St. Stephen’s shopping centre in order to combat COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), providing 196 more valuable lung function tests resulting in 54 local residents (28%) being referred to their GP for further testing.
This event is part of a campaign which has now provided 554 free lung function tests in total. Hull is an area targeted after research by the BLF showed that people in the city are 55% more likely to be admitted to hospital with COPD than the UK average[1]. Hull is the second hotspot in the UK with only South Tyneside proving to have a higher relative risk.
COPD is an umbrella term used to describe a number of lung conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, with early symptoms including breathlessness and a persistent cough (often with phlegm).
The events provide facilities to test four members of the public at a time and are intended to spread maximum awareness of symptoms and the ease with which people can seek help.The free tests are being conducted by trained advisors who interpret results, advising participants on how to proceed afterwards and how to manage any symptoms they have.
Lord Mayor of Hull, Councillor Karen Woods [a former district nurse] has supported the campaign from its launch commenting, “It’s fantastic to see such a proactive campaign in the area.Hull residents will surely make good use of the facilities provided throughout this campaign, which will increase knowledge of the support available to anyone experiencing symptoms.”
The final event of the ‘Love Your Lungs’ campaign is taking place on:
- Thursday 11th February,Mecca Bingo Clough, HullHU6 7PE- (12 noon-7.30pm)
The lung function tests are quick and painless, taking around 10 minutes and simply involve blowing into a tube. As well as trained health professionals, smoking cessation advisors from Hull Stop Smoking Service are always on hand to advise those having the tests.
The events follow a telemarketing campaign aimed at helping people to identify symptoms and to promote general lung health awareness. As well as kind support from Lord Mayor Councillor Karen Woods, the campaign is also supported by local rugby clubs Hull FC and Hull KR
Erica Daley, Senior Manager of NHS Hull Commissioning and Service Improvement commented:“We are delighted to be working with the BLF in tackling COPD.This year NHS Hull will be offering a huge amount of support for this campaign which aims to reach the huge amounts of people who are undiagnosed, or who are at serious risk of hospital admission with COPD.”
Bev Wears, North of England BLF Support and Development Manager commented: “The response to these free lung function tests so far has been fantastic. We are proud to provide these services to so many people who need them and we very much look forward to the final event. We urge anyone with symptoms such as a persistent cough, breathlessness or wheezing to join the hundreds who have made use of the facilities available in this pioneering campaign.”
For media enquiries please contact James Lenney on 0207 688 6017 or for information about the events please contact Jessica Taylor on 0207 688 6019.
[1] BLF ‘Invisible Lives’ report
