Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board is working with the British Lung Foundation to hold a lung screening event. The aim of the event is to help find the thousands of local residents estimated to be living with undiagnosed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), so that they can get the support and help they need.
The event will be held at the Aberafon Shopping Centre on Wednesday 16 March between 10am – 4pm. The event offers the opportunity for those who have had a persistent cough for three weeks or more, or who often feel breathless or wheezy, to speak to specialist BLF nurses for free advice, information and lung function tests. Stop Smoking Wales will also be at the event to provide advice and support.
COPD encompasses a number of conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which can cause people to have difficulty breathing due to long-term damage to their lungs.
Joseph Carter, Head of British Lung Foundation Wales, said:
“We are inviting everyone in Port Talbot and surrounding areas who has felt breathless or has a persistent cough to come along and take this opportunity to get their lungs checked.
“For many people, they will have nothing to worry about, but it is always better to be sure and put your mind at rest.”
Deputy Minister for Health Vaughan Gething said;
“I’m proud the Welsh Government is supporting Love Your Lungs in partnership with the Respiratory Health Implementation Group, supported by our £1m investment this year in respiratory health.
“We want to ensure people of all ages value good lung health and want people to do more to look after their own health, reducing their risk of acquiring a respiratory condition.
“Fewer people are dying from respiratory conditions in Wales and standards of patient care are improving. We will continue to work with partners like the British Lung Foundation to ensure people have timely access to high-quality care, regardless of where they live.”
This is one of five events being funded by Welsh Government.
To find out more about the British Lung Foundation visit www.blf.org.uk phone 03000 030 555 or follow us on Twitter @BLFWales
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