Charity Calls for More Support for Scots with Lung Conditions Living in Poverty

• Scots living in areas of deprivation are seven times more likely to be hospitalised due to COPD than those in least deprived areas according to Public Health Scotland 

This World COPD Day (Wednesday 20th November) Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is calling for better support for people living with COPD to improve outcomes. 

The charity is particularly concerned that according to figures from Public Health Scotland, people living with COPD in the most deprived areas of the country are seven times more likely to be hospitalised than those living in the least deprived areas, shining a spotlight on health inequalities. 

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s most recent report into the experiences of those living with long-term chest conditions including COPD revealed the significant financial implications involved. The report stated that: 

• One in five (19%) people with chest and lung conditions said their condition had an impact on their finances 

• One in five (21%) people with chest and lung conditions said their health condition made it hard for them to work at all 

• A quarter (23%) said their health made it hard for them to work as before 

• Over a third said that they had to cut back on essentials due to the cost-of-living crisis 

 

The report also revealed that a quarter of Scots living with long-term chest conditions weren’t referred for rehabilitation, and more than half needed support that they weren’t able to access. 

Jane-Claire Judson, chief Executive of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland said: “These figures show clearly the impact of poverty on people living with long-term conditions. Our own research illustrates how many people living with long-term chest conditions struggle to work, and as a result find themselves in a position of cutting back on essentials such as heating their homes. This is particularly concerning for people living with COPD as we move into winter as the condition can be exacerbated by cold and damp weather, resulting in increased GP appointments and hospital admissions. 

“The Scottish Government needs to do more to ensure that people with long-term conditions living in poverty are supported to manage their health in the best way they can.  Supporting people to manage their conditions can reduce GP and hospital visits and therefore reduces pressure on the NHS.” 

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is in the process of rolling out its Community Healthcare Support Service across Scotland. This supported self management and community recovery pathway is available to support people to manage their long term conditions such as COPD and aims to improve their health and wellbeing ensuring people can live their lives to the fullest. Its Advice Line call handlers are available to provide information on CHSS services as well as available financial support, and a full range of health and financial support information is available at Resources Hub – Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. 

Anyone living with the effects of chest, heart and stroke conditions or long covid looking for advice and information can contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899,  text NURSE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.