On World COPD Day, COPD Support Ireland was proud to join Senator Linda Nelson Murray in Leinster House for an Oireachtas lunch bringing together cross-party members committed to improving care for people living with COPD across Ireland. They discussed the importance of continued support for the HSE’s national Integrated Model of Care for COPD, as this has been a key driver of improved COPD care in Ireland over the past five years.
Thank you to all Oireachtas members who joined us on World COPD Day and to our members for sharing their experiences living with COPD.
COPD affects an estimated 380,000 people nationwide, yet up to 270,000 may remain undiagnosed. Our new survey of almost 300 people living with COPD shows:
- 75% first sought help because of shortness of breath
- Nearly 60% feel their overall COPD care is better now than 5+ years ago
- But almost 6 in 10 still do not have a personalised care plan
- Many are struggling with the cost of living, particularly the price of heating – a serious concern as cold homes can worsen COPD symptoms
As we head into the winter season, our message is clear: Get vaccinated against flu, Covid-19 and pneumonia, and don’t ignore persistent cough or breathlessness – talk to your GP.
#WorldCOPDDay2025 #COPD #ChronicDisease
