Members' Business - Emma Harper MSP: World COPD Day

That the Parliament recognises World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day on 15 November 2017; understands that COPD is a progressive and long-term lung condition without a cure, which affects a recorded 129,000 people in Scotland, but that many more people are undiagnosed; further understands that someone from the most deprived areas of Scotland is more than twice as likely to have COPD and that there has been a dramatic increase in the number of women with COPD; believes that the most significant causal factor is smoking but, despite a decline in rates of smoking, COPD morbidity and mortality rates remain high; notes that people with COPD are affected by breathlessness, coughing, weight loss and fatigue but, with the right support from healthcare professionals, third sector organisations and communities, it is possible to live well and self-manage the condition; notes that up to two-thirds of people with COPD remain undiagnosed and, without optimal treatment, progressive lung disease reduces their quality of life; commends charities such as the British Lung Foundation and Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland for the work they do to raise awareness of COPD and helping to ensure that people in the South Scotland parliamentary region and across Scotland get the treatment and support that they deserve, and welcomes the Scottish Government's commitment to a Respiratory Health Quality Improvement Plan, as noted in its response to question S5W-00968.