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Strategic Direction The strategic aim is:
Target The local targets for respiratory disease are:
General Commentary The The Director of Public Health's Annual Report shows that respiratory disease accounts for more deaths than any other group of conditions after circulatory disease and cancer and Doncaster has a significantly higher death rate than England and Wales. Chronic respiratory disease is particularly prevalent in the Doncaster area due to high levels of smoking and post industrial exposure. Air pollution from vehicle exhausts is a particular concern because of its links with respiratory disease. There is increasing evidence that children of pregnant smokers and of parents who smoke have a higher incidence of respiratory illness. Doncaster has a high admission rate for asthma and the incidence of lung cancer in Doncaster in 11.7% above the national average. We need to continue to make people aware of the risks of smoking and assist those who want to quit. We also need to work to reduce air pollution levels especially from motor vehicles and diesel exhausts. People with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a very poor quality of life and one of the priorities for the Respiratory Working Group has been to improve services to this particular patient group. Further information can be obtained by downloading the full text version of the Health Improvement Programme for Doncaster 2000 - 2003. Any comments on this section should be submitted to the theme lead, Dr Elizabeth Burroughs, Medical Adviser, Doncaster Health Authority, White Rose House, Ten Pound Walk, Doncaster, DN4 5DJ. email: elizabeth.burroughs@doncaster-ha.trent.nhs.uk |