MP criticises delays faced by respiratory patients

Adam Jogee said that in August nearly 5,000 respiratory patients in Staffordshire were waiting longer than the 18-week target to be seen

Many patients in Staffordshire are waiting too long to be treated for breathing conditions, an MP has said.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Labour MP Adam Jogee called for action to bring down NHS waiting times during a Westminster Hall debate on respiratory health.

He pointed out that in August nearly 5,000 respiratory patients in Staffordshire were waiting beyond the national target of 18 weeks to be seen by a respiratory doctor – more than half the total on the waiting list.

Health minister Karin Smyth responded there were several government measures aimed at improving respiratory health.

Mr Jogee called for millions of pounds to be spent on expanding testing, saying that undiagnosed or poorly managed lung conditions made people more susceptible to factors such as bad weather or poor housing, which ultimately put more pressure on the NHS.

He said last year, 3,765 people in Staffordshire were admitted to hospital in an emergency due to a lung condition.

Mr Jogee added: "Even when restrictive respiratory conditions are suspected or diagnosed, people are waiting far too long for care."

'Minimise impacts'

Ms Smyth, responding to the debate, listed measures including the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which aims to create a 'smoke-free generation' by gradually ending the sale of tobacco products.

She said: "Access to checks and basic preventive care needs to be much better spread across the country.

"NHS England has 13 respiratory clinical networks across the country, which are vital in providing clinical leadership across primary and secondary care for respiratory services and supporting services in primary care, where of course most patient contact is."

Mr Jogee also raised concerns over the health impacts of hydrogen sulphide emissions from Walleys Quarry.

He said the landfill site had made an 'undeniable' impact on the health of his constituents.

A spokesperson for Walleys Quarry said the landfill site "holds an environmental permit and is stringently regulated by the Environment Agency to ensure the onsite activities do not cause harm to human health or the environment".

They added: "The team is focused on managing the site to minimise impacts to the community around the site and we will continue to do so."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.