28/06/06 - Improving care for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The Secretary of State for Health, Patricia Hewitt, has announced a new national service framework (NSF) will be developed to improve standards of care and increase choice for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The proposed NSF for COPD patients, those suffering from diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, would seek to: provide more choice in treatment for patients; reduce inequalities in treatment, which can vary across the country; and improve standards of care for patients. The Healthcare Commission has also published the results of a national study of the care and treatment available for people with COPD in England, Clearing the air. This study is part of a wider programme of work, which focuses on promoting improvement in services for people with long term conditions or chronic disease.(DH press release) (BBC health news) (Healthcare Commission press release)