British Lung Foundation 1490582 201723195 2008-03-29T02:00:16Z CmdrObot 1079367 Wikipedia URL→wikilink The '''British Lung Foundation''' is a [[United Kingdom|British]] [[charitable organization|charity]] dedicated to promoting [[lung|lung health]] and supporting those affected by [[lung disease]]. == About the British Lung Foundation == One person in eight in the [[UK]] is affected by a [[lung disease]]. The [[http://www.lunguk.org BLF]] is the only UK charity working for all of them, providing support and working for positive change for the future diagnosis and treatment of [[lung disease]]. One way in which the BLF provides support is via a nationwide network of [[#Breathe Easy|Breathe Easy]] support groups. The BLF campaigns for positive change in lung health by campaigning, raising awareness and funding world-class research. The BLF also supports parents and carers looking after young children with recurring chesty problems. The BLF produces a range of information free of charge on a wide variety of subjects, available to order as leaflets or booklets, or viewable on the website - [http://www.lunguk.org www.lunguk.org] or via the phone helpline on 08458 50 50 20. == History == The British Lung Foundation was established by [[Malcolm Green (physician)|Professor Malcolm Green]] and a group of lung specialists from London's [[Royal Brompton Hospital]] in 1985. It has maintained strong links with the medical profession, as well as utilising the talents of people from all walks of life who share a determination to try to conquer [[lung disease]] in the 21st Century. == Breathe Easy == [http://www.lunguk.org/supporting-you/breathe-easy/ Breathe Easy] is the support network of the British Lung Foundation. The network includes over 22,000 people, with over 200 support groups across the UK. [http://www.lunguk.org/supporting-you/breathe-easy/ Breathe Easy] supports people through regular group meetings and offering help over the phone. There is also a pen-pal scheme, enabling people to make contact with others in the same situation. [http://www.lunguk.org/supporting-you/breathe-easy/ Breathe Easy] is also a powerful campaigning force for change, working hard at both local and national levels. It was thanks to a [http://www.lunguk.org/supporting-you/breathe-easy/ Breathe Easy] campaign, for example, that the [http://www.doh.gov.uk Department of Health] agreed to a complete review of the way oxygen is provided in [[England]] and [[Wales]]. == Campaigning == The British Lung Foundation campaigns for improvements in all areas of lung health. [http://www.lunguk.org/supporting-you/breathe-easy/ Breathe Easy] supporters and members of the general public have worked with the BLF to ensure that these issues remain on the agenda at [[Westminster System|Westminster]] - and in the political chambers of [[Northern Ireland]], [[Scotland]] and [[Wales]]. The BLF also campaigns to raise public awareness of [[lung disease]] and the impact it has on so many lives through poster campaigns, events and by maintaining a media profile. == Research == On average, the British Lung Foundation invests one million pounds a year in research projects - all aiming to improve the diagnosis or treatment of lung conditions. As a direct result of research funded by the BLF, it is now possible to measure lung capacity in infants; the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation are demonstrable; lung transplants are more likely to be successful. == BLF COPD Project == The [http://www.lunguk.org/BLF_COPD_Project/ British Lung Foundation’s COPD Project] is a three year project which was set up in January 2007. The [http://www.lunguk.org/BLF_COPD_Project/ COPD Project] aims to: * Raise awareness of [[COPD]] among the general public and health professionals. * Facilitate the sharing of information and expertise among patients, carers, health and social care practitioners, managers, commissioners and others. * Support the delivery of [[COPD]] campaigns and publications, developed and produced by the British Lung Foundation. === National Service Framework for COPD === The [http://www.doh.gov.uk Department of Health] will be launching a new [[National Service Framework|National Service Framework (NSF)]] for [[COPD]] towards the end of 2008. As [[Patient advocacy|Patient Advocate]], the BLF’s Chief Executive, [[Helena Shovelton|Dame Helena Shovelton]] has been working closely with the [http://www.doh.gov.uk Department of Health] to support the development of the [http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Policyandguidance/Healthandsocialcaretopics/DH_4138532 NSF for COPD]. The BLF will be working closely with patients, carers, health and social care professionals and managers to develop activities to support the implementation of the [http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Policyandguidance/Healthandsocialcaretopics/DH_4138532 NSF for COPD]. The BLF will be developing ways of seeking the views of all of its partners via face to face forum meetings, email and the web. === Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) === [[Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease|Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)]] is an umbrella term for a number of conditions including [[chronic bronchitis]] and [[emphysema]]. [[COPD]] is a long-term lung condition which progressively gets worse. There is no cure for it, but a lot can be done to relieve its symptoms. ==External links== *[http://www.lunguk.org/ Official website] *[http://www.doh.gov.uk Department of Health] [[Category:Health charities in the United Kingdom]] [[Category:Lung disease organizations]]