Blog

Updates from the Taskforce

I forget I’m using oxygen until I notice someone staring at me

Caroline, 60, a retired teacher, has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis [non-specific interstitial pneumonia], and mixed connective tissue disease. She started using oxygen in 2009 and describes how people’s attitudes to her use of oxygen have affected her.

Pulmonary rehabilitation and exercise – If I can do it, you can do it, too

Rita is 91 years old and lives in a care home with her husband Eric, who is 100. Rita has Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), and shares her story of how exercise is key to living well with a lung condition.

I recognised there was a gap in understanding asthma

Dr Noel Baxter of the Primary Care Respiratory Society, a member of the Taskforce for Lung Health, describes the progress that has been made in diagnosing and treating people with asthma, and the steps that patients and healthcare practitioners can take now to ensure asthma is managed correctly.

People's expectations of what asthma is shouldn't be narrow

Aaron, 49, has asthma and severe allergies. He describes some of the gaps he has seen in his asthma care, and what he wishes other people were taught about the condition.

How Right to Rehab is acting as a movement for change

Robin Hinks, Research and Policy Officer from the CSP, explains why it is time to take action to ensure that everyone gets access to the rehabilitation they need.

Picture of Mike Morgan, former NHS National Clinical Director for Respiratory Services

2019 was a year of progress

Professor Mike Morgan was the National Clinical Director for Respiratory in England until October 2019 and is a firm supporter of the Taskforce for Lung Health and its work.

Norman (who lives with IPF) and his dogs

After pulmonary rehabilitation I felt so much better

Norman has idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). He shares how pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has improved his quality of life.

Lucy and Jay outside parliament - Taskforce for Lung Health

How social attitudes towards COPD affected my family

Lucy Dowle, wife and carer of the late Jay Dowle, shares her story on how social attitudes around Jay’s chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affected her family.

Andrew Menzies-Gow at the Taskforce for Lung Health One Year On report launch-tile image

Why 2020 is a year of opportunity for lung health

Professor Andrew Menzies-Gow, NHS England's national clinical director for respiratory, explains why there's cause for optimism for people with lung disease.