Surge in repeat lung condition hospital visits

The number of people needing emergency care at least five times a year for breathing issues has risen in the North East and North Cumbria.

Asthma + Lung UK's analysis of NHS England Hospital Episode Statistics found there were 4,490 patients in the region going to hospital more frequently in 2023/2024 - the highest in the country.

Analysis across England found there were 42,050 hospital visits - an increase of 22.8% from the previous year.

The Department for Health and Social Care said it had delivered an extra two million appointments seven months earlier that it had promised.

Dr Sharada Gudur, a consultant respiratory physician in Lancashire, said lung health was in a "critical state" and urgent action was needed.

Of the 42,050 visits for emergency treatment for lung conditions, 45% of people with asthma and 58% of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), were repeat attendees.

The second highest, after the North East and North Cumbria was West Yorkshire with 3,050 patients visiting hospital more frequently.

The research also found that half of 3,428 patients were not offered follow-up appointments after emergency care.

The charity called for the issue to be prioritised as part of the government's upcoming 10 year health plan.

Sarah Sleet, chief executive of Asthma + Lung UK, said: "It is unacceptable that people with lung conditions are being shunted between primary care and hospitals like this.

"We know the NHS can't fix everything at once, but lung health cannot keep falling to the bottom of the pile, nor can we allow people's postcodes or deprivation to determine their lung health outcomes."

In a statement the Department for Health and Social Care said: "We're investing an extra £1.5bn on new surgical hubs and AI scanners, but know there is more to do.

"As part of the plan for change, we want to shift from sickness to prevention, so fewer patients have to go to A&E and those who do are treated quickly and with dignity."

It added that it had taken "firm action" to tackle smoking with the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

Dr Gudur said: "The irony is that in medical school, respiratory care is the priority as the first thing you are taught to do is to check a patient's breathing.

"But in practice, the reverse is true as lung health is rooted in much bigger problems like deprivation, poor housing, and smoking.

"The impact of repeat admissions on patients' mental and physical health is immense."

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