British Lung Foundation

The British Lung Foundation is a British charity dedicated to promoting lung health and supporting those affected by lung disease.

About the British Lung Foundation

One person in eight in the UK is affected by a lung disease. The [http://www.lunguk.org BLF] is the only UK charity working for all of them, providing support and working for positive change for the future diagnosis and treatment of lung disease. One way in which the BLF provides support is via a nationwide network of Breathe Easy support groups. The BLF campaigns for positive change in lung health by campaigning, raising awareness and funding world-class research. The BLF also supports parents and carers looking after young children with recurring chesty problems.

The BLF produces a range of information free of charge on a wide variety of subjects, available to order as leaflets or booklets, or viewable on the website - [http://www.lunguk.org www.lunguk.org] or via the phone helpline on 08458 50 50 20.

History

The British Lung Foundation was established by Professor Malcolm Green and a group of lung specialists from London's Royal Brompton Hospital in 1985. It has maintained strong links with the medical profession, as well as utilising the talents of people from all walks of life who share a determination to try to conquer lung disease in the 21st Century.

Breathe Easy

[http://www.lunguk.org/supporting-you/breathe-easy/ Breathe Easy] is the support network of the British Lung Foundation. The network includes over 22,000 people, with over 200 support groups across the UK. [http://www.lunguk.org/supporting-you/breathe-easy/ Breathe Easy] supports people through regular group meetings and offering help over the phone. There is also a pen-pal scheme, enabling people to make contact with others in the same situation. [http://www.lunguk.org/supporting-you/breathe-easy/ Breathe Easy] is also a powerful campaigning force for change, working hard at both local and national levels. It was thanks to a [http://www.lunguk.org/supporting-you/breathe-easy/ Breathe Easy] campaign, for example, that the [http://www.doh.gov.uk Department of Health] agreed to a complete review of the way oxygen is provided in England and Wales.

Campaigning

The British Lung Foundation campaigns for improvements in all areas of lung health. [http://www.lunguk.org/supporting-you/breathe-easy/ Breathe Easy] supporters and members of the general public have worked with the BLF to ensure that these issues remain on the agenda at Westminster - and in the political chambers of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.The BLF also campaigns to raise public awareness of lung disease and the impact it has on so many lives through poster campaigns, events and by maintaining a media profile.

Research

On average, the British Lung Foundation invests one million pounds a year in research projects - all aiming to improve the diagnosis or treatment of lung conditions. As a direct result of research funded by the BLF, it is now possible to measure lung capacity in infants; the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation are demonstrable; lung transplants are more likely to be successful.

BLF COPD Project

The [http://www.lunguk.org/BLF_COPD_Project/ British Lung Foundation’s COPD Project] is a three year project which was set up in January 2007. The [http://www.lunguk.org/BLF_COPD_Project/ COPD Project] aims to:
* Raise awareness of COPD among the general public and health professionals.
* Facilitate the sharing of information and expertise among patients, carers, health and social care practitioners, managers, commissioners and others.
* Support the delivery of COPD campaigns and publications, developed and produced by the British Lung Foundation.

National Service Framework for COPD

The [http://www.doh.gov.uk Department of Health] will be launching a new National Service Framework (NSF) for COPD towards the end of 2008. As Patient Advocate, the BLF’s Chief Executive, Dame Helena Shovelton has been working closely with the [http://www.doh.gov.uk Department of Health] to support the development of the [http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Policyandguidance/Healthandsocialcaretopics/DH_4138532 NSF for COPD] .The BLF will be working closely with patients, carers, health and social care professionals and managers to develop activities to support the implementation of the [http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Policyandguidance/Healthandsocialcaretopics/DH_4138532 NSF for COPD] . The BLF will be developing ways of seeking the views of all of its partners via face to face forum meetings, email and the web.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for a number of conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD is a long-term lung condition which progressively gets worse. There is no cure for it, but a lot can be done to relieve its symptoms.

External links

* [http://www.lunguk.org/ Official website]
* [http://www.doh.gov.uk Department of Health]