A new policy proposal has been launched in the Senedd, urging the Welsh Government not to miss the opportunity to diagnose COPD as part of the national lung screening programme.

Launched by Chiesi UK and Ireland, it sets out a vision for the Welsh Government to transform COPD detection and diagnosis in Wales, turning around decades of delayed diagnosis and poor outcomes.

With over 50,000 people estimated to be living with undiagnosed COPD in Wales, the ‘Ignore or Explore COPD?’ proposal urges the Welsh government to integrate simple lung function tests (spirometry) and follow-up care plans into any future lung cancer screening programmes, delivering efficient, enhanced diagnostic services to reduce the burden of COPD in Wales.

Mabon ap Gwynfor MS, Health and Social Care Spokesperson for Plaid Cymru, commented: “This new policy proposal sets clear and actionable goals for Wales to lead the way within the UK in preventing avoidable hospital stays and improving care for people living with COPD. By working together to build on potential lung screening infrastructure in Wales, we have the opportunity to better detect undiagnosed COPD earlier.”

Despite being one of Wales’ most serious health challenges - responsible for 1,800 deaths and 12,000 emergency hospitalisations each year - COPD continues to be diagnosed late, often after emergency hospitalisation, with almost one in four people waiting five years or longer for a diagnosis.

As a progressive disease, COPD worsens with each exacerbation, and lung function can never be recovered, diminishing the opportunity for disease control.

Early detection and effective management can help keep the disease under control – improving quality of life and reducing strain on the NHS.

The ‘Ignore or Explore COPD?’ policy proposal highlights Wales’ unique position to tackle diagnostic challenges by leveraging low-dose CT screening infrastructure established through the Lung Health Check Operational Pilot.

The proposal urges the Welsh government to use future targeted lung cancer screening programmes to support early COPD detection by adding a pathway to investigate signs of COPD seen on scans to confirm diagnosis and offer appropriate care.

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Cymru, said: “People who receive a late COPD diagnosis often face worse symptoms, fewer treatment options and poorer quality of life. Wales has an opportunity to catch the disease earlier by adopting a lung health check programme that does not exclude COPD.

“Earlier diagnosis means people can begin treatment and self-management sooner - helping them stay well for longer, avoid unnecessary hospital visits and maintain their independence.”

The proposal builds on Chiesi UK and Ireland’s collaborative NHS partnerships in England, including the FRONTIER clinic in Hull and the community-based COMET clinic in Wirral, both focused on enabling early diagnosis for high-risk patients who have gone through NHS lung cancer screening.

Wales’ 2023 Lung Health Check Pilot further highlights the need, with 61% of participants found to have signs of COPD (emphysema), many of whom were unaware they had a serious lung condition.

Recommendations from the policy proposal were presented at a lunchtime reception at the Senedd on June 4.