Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Life sciences vision published on 6 July 2021, what steps (a) the Government and (b) the NHS plan to take to reduce COPD mortality in the UK.

The National Asthma and COPD Audit Programme, led by the Royal College of Physicians, aims to improve the quality of care, services and clinical outcomes for patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by collecting and providing data on a range of indicators. Through the NHS Long Term Plan, access to pulmonary rehabilitation will be expanded by 2028. This is an exercise and education programme for COPD, with 90% of patients who complete the programme experiencing improved exercise capacity or increased quality of life. The expansion of pulmonary rehabilitation services over 10 years aims to prevent 500,000 exacerbations and avoid 80,000 hospital admissions.

The Government has worked with global academic and industrial leaders to identify areas of scientific and research potential which could address the seven identified healthcare missions in the ‘Life Sciences Vision’. The respiratory mission aims to reduce pressure on the National Health Service and improve clinical outcomes, treatment and diagnosis.

Detailed implementation plans are being developed to deliver the Life Sciences Vision. We are working with academics, the NHS and industry on plans for the respiratory mission to reduce morbidity and mortality due to respiratory disease, including COPD.