Asthma + Lung UK has welcomed today's (17th July 2025) announcement by the Prime Minister that hundreds of thousands of people diagnosed with long-term health conditions will receive extra help and support from expert charities, under a new service.
Diagnosis Connect will ensure patients are referred directly to trusted charities and support organisations as soon as they are diagnosed - providing personalised advice, information and guidance to help them manage their condition and feel more in control.
Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive at Asthma + Lung UK:
“We are delighted to see Diagnosis Connect being taken up by the government, an approach Asthma + Lung UK has already championed as a game-changer for people newly diagnosed with lung conditions. As the NHS shifts its focus from moving more care out of hospital and into the community, ensuring people have access to advice and support to manage chronic health conditions is crucial. It makes absolute sense for the government to work in partnership with health charities to do this, capitalising on our vast expertise and community connections.
“Respiratory illness is the leading cause of emergency hospital admissions, yet levels of basic care for lung conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are worryingly low.1,2 Signposting people to organisations like Asthma + Lung UK from the moment they are diagnosed can make all the difference. We know that with the right support and information, people are better able manage their lung conditions, meaning they can stay well and out of hospital. We all have a role to play in supporting the NHS and keeping patients safe and supported. Asthma + Lung UK is committed to doing our part, together with other charities.
“Last winter, we offered people with lung conditions the chance to sign up for tailored advice on how to stay well during the colder months. Nearly half of people surveyed told us Asthma + Lung UK’s winter health information stopped them needing to go the A&E this year.3"
References:
- NHS England Hospital Episode Statistics 2023/24 show that there were 1,743,429 finished consultant episodes (FCEs) for diseases of the respiratory system (ICD10 code J00-J99). Accessed here.
- Fewer than a third (32%) of people with asthma receive all three elements of basic care each year and just 9% of people with COPD are receiving the full package of COPD care – Asthma + Lung UK. 2025. Unpublished data from the 2025 Life With a Lung Condition survey. Available on request.
- In a feedback survey of over 3000 people who accessed A+L UK’s Winter Health Advice last year, 47% of respondents said that the charity’s winter health information stopped them needing to go to hospital.