Murdo Fraser MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife urges those with experience of COPD to take part in a new survey produced by the British Lung Foundation in partnership with the Health Inequalities Alliance.
The survey offers patients a chance to feedback on their treatment experience. It is designed to gauge the current delivery of COPD services across Scotland. Anyone with experience of COPD, for example as a carer or healthcare professional, is also encouraged to contribute.
The British Lung Foundation and Health Inequalities Alliance will use the survey results to ensure that national COPD standards are being met consistently across the country and to lobby for improvements where necessary.
The survey closes at the end of August so anyone wishing to take part should do so as soon as possible. An online version can be found at http://www.blf.org.uk/Region/Scotland and paper copies are available by request on 0141 248 0050.
Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“This is a great opportunity for those with experiences of COPD to come forward and contribute to allow greater understanding of both the disease and its relevant treatment.
“As co-convener of the Cross-Party Group on Health Inequalities, the standard of care when treating COPD is very close to my heart. Hopefully this survey will give an insight into where we can improve the consistency of services.
“Patients, doctors and carer’s combining to improve our health service is a fantastic idea and one which I support.”
Head of the British Lung Foundation, Dr James Cant, said:
“This is a really great opportunity for anyone with experience of COPD to contribute to our aim of improving services across Scotland.
No-one has a deeper understanding of what it’s like to live with COPD, than those who have it. I urge those affected to share their experience by completing the survey as soon as possible.
As the only UK charity to represent all respiratory conditions, The British Lung Foundation is leading the fight against lung disease. The more information we have, the better placed we’ll be to make the current services better.”
Director of the Health Inequalities Alliance, Jacqueline Forde, said:
“We’re delighted to be working with the British Lung Foundation in launching this survey.
I’m really encouraged by the opportunities the survey will bring to those affected by COPD across Scotland.
At the Health Inequalities Alliance, we want to do everything we can to make sure people all over Scotland have consistent access to the treatment and services they need.
The results of this survey will give us an insight into where our help is needed most.”
Development Officer for the British Lung Foundation, Margaret Berrie, said:
“We’ve been working closely with patient groups to ensure the right questions are being asked, to get a full and detailed picture of the current reality of living with COPD.
This survey is a real chance for the people of Scotland to mould services of the future and I hope they grasp that opportunity with both hands.”