Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what research into pulmonary fibrosis her Department is supporting; and what steps her Department is taking to improve the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for people living with the condition.

Through the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the Department funds a broad portfolio of research into pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and interstitial lung disease (ILD), investing £11.86 million in research, training and infrastructure over the past five financial years. This includes research to improve early diagnosis, develop new treatments and support symptom management, including studies exploring the use of artificial intelligence, biomarkers and remote monitoring technologies to identify disease earlier and personalise care, as well as clinical research evaluating new therapeutic approaches to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients.

To support people living with PF, NHS England has established 13 respiratory clinical networks, which provide clinical leadership for respiratory services and support primary care, including the restoration of spirometry services used in diagnosis. In addition, specialist National Health Service ILD clinics provide expert multidisciplinary care, access to diagnostic testing and opportunities to participate in research. The NHS also offers pulmonary rehabilitation, which plays an important role in helping patients manage their condition and should be available to all those who may benefit from it.