Respiratory Disease

Respiratory disease affects one in six people in England and is the third largest cause of death, with around 68,000 people dying every year. (Source: Public Health England)

Incidence and mortality rates are worse in deprived areas and for disadvantaged groups. From 2017 to 2019 in England, early mortality from respiratory disease was 2.9 times higher in the most deprived areas compared to the highest socioeconomic areas, contributing no small part to the widening life expectancy gap (Source: The Marmot Review).

We’re supporting the ambition outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan to improve the respiratory pathway. We’re supporting the shift in care from hospital to community, as well as the shifts from analogue to digital and from treatment to prevention, while also helping people get faster access to innovative medicines.

Ongoing national programmes

Respiratory Transformation Partnership

Driving whole pathway transformation in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care, creating a new model of joint transformation delivery.

Previous national programmes

Improving access to asthma biologics

Improving care for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma through improved access to innovative treatments

Improving access to FeNO testing in primary care

Improving care for patients with asthma through improved access to innovative diagnostics and management

Local and regional programmes from across the networks

In addition to our national portfolio, there are local programmes across the Network prioritising improving the detection and treatment of respiratory disease through innovation.

Find examples of our local and regional work in our Case Studies.

Or contact your local health innovation network to learn more about respiratory programmes and innovations in your area.