HELP AVAILABLE FOR PERSONS WITH LUNG HEALTH CONDITIONS

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South Scotland MSP Emma Harper is encouraging vulnerable people who are shielding and self-isolating across Dumfries and Galloway to use the services offered by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland who have amassed over 4,000 volunteers who are trained and ready to help.

The volunteers are able to make sure people stay safe and well in their own homes by offering friendly and expert advice on a range of lung health issues or can even just be a friendly voice on the end of the phone.

Dumfries & Galloway has a higher prevalence of lung conditions – such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – compared to other parts of Scotland and Ms Harper is promoting a Lung Health Hub in the region which would cater for a range of lung health diseases affecting her constituents.

Ms Harper said;

“Since my election, I have been working on lung health issues. I established the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Lung Health in July 2016 and participated in the launch of the BREATH Project – Border and Regions Airways Training Hub – which is supported by £7.7m of EU INTERREG funding. The project aims to better understand and relieve the impact of COPD and have been doing a great job in our region through engaging with local primary schools and organisations.

“I welcome that Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland are working both right here in Dumfries and Galloway, and indeed across Scotland, to support people living with a range of lung health issues. The organisation have more than 4,000 volunteers who are able to offer expert advice, or even just be a friendly voice on the end of the phone. I’d encourage people with lung health issues across the region to make use of their services.

“The Scottish Government are currently consulting with the public on a Respiratory Care Action Plan – with the consultation closing on the 27th of June this year. The Consultation is hugely important and will shape the future of respiratory care in Scotland and I’d encourage Dumfries and Galloway residents to make their views heard. For more information on the action plan visit consult.gov.scot/healthcare-quality-and-improvement/respiratory-care-action-plan/ <consult.gov.scot/healthcare-quality-and-improvement/respiratory-care-action-plan/> ”

To get help now from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland call the Advice Line on 0808 801 0899.