Health Inequalities

How health inequalities affect lung disease

Incidence and mortality rates from respiratory disease are higher in disadvantages groups and areas of social deprivation.  Higher smoking rates, higher levels of air pollution, poorer housing quality and populations that work in industries with greater exposure to occupational hazards are all contributing factors to lung disease.  The COVID19 pandemic has revealed long term weaknesses in the healthcare system and has had a disproportionate effect on the vulnerable, deprived and different ethnic communities.  New technological advances and greater reliance on the digital delivery of healthcare, whilst positive for many, risk those that don't have access to such technology being left behind. 

The educational resources below are designed to help improve understanding of the range of factors that might impact patients, provide guidance on how to identify vulnerable patients, advice on service development and signposting for more resources. 

This is a new campaign and we will continue to add to these resources as they become available - so please keep checking back for the latest practical advice. 

PCRS is also a signatory to the Inequalities in Health Alliance.