Over 10,000 People Hospitalised For Respiratory Problems Every Year

Over 10,000 people from Northern Ireland are admitted to hospital for respiratory problems every year, according to the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA).

Around 2,000 people will die from a respiratory condition, accounting for around one in seven of all deaths.

In its review of Northern Ireland's Community Respiratory Services, RQIA's review team found that improvements are needed to community respiratory services to avoid unnecessary admission to hospital, and to extend availability into the evening and weekends.

The review team highlighted the need for equal access to services across Northern Ireland for every patient, and for stronger integration across primary, community and acute services – from prevention to palliative and end of life care. Patients also called for better information on the services available.

RQIA's review team found a committed community respiratory services workforce, providing a patient-centred service for those with long-term respiratory conditions across Northern Ireland. This view was also endorsed by those using the services.

(CD/JP)