Latest news with #SarahSleet
Daily Mirror
30-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Single-use vapes to be banned from tomorrow as full details set out
Ministers said the move will help end 'an avalanche of rubbish flooding the nation's streets', as well as tackling a worrying rise in vapes found in school playgrounds. Single-use vapes will be banned from the shelves of all shops from tomorrow. The new crackdown will make it illegal to sell disposable vapes at corner shops and supermarkets from June 1. Ministers said the move will help end 'an avalanche of rubbish flooding the nation's streets', as well as tackling a worrying rise in vapes found in school playgrounds. New on-the-spot £200 fines will be introduced for any rogue traders breaking the rules. Those who show a 'blatant disregard' for the ban and reoffend face being slapped with an unlimited fine or jail time. The Department for Environment said non-refillable and non-rechargeable vapes are typically being thrown away with general waste in black bins or littered rather than recycled. READ MORE: Disposable vape ban sparks stockpiling frenzy among a quarter of users It said even when disposable vapes are recycled, the process is 'notoriously arduous, slow and costly', with waste industry workers required to take them apart by hand. Their batteries also present a fire risk to recycling facilities and can leak harmful chemicals into the environment. Separate legislation to restrict vapes being deliberately advertised to kids is currently passing through Parliament. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, introduced by the Department of Health, will end the use of brightly coloured packaging and vape flavours that appeal to children - such as bubble gum, gummy bear and cotton candy. The legislation will also aim to make Britain smokefree by preventing anyone born on or after January 1, 2009 from ever being able to legally buy tobacco products. New data from charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) shows the number of vapers in Britain who mainly use single-use devices fell from 30% in 2024 to 24% in 2025, while the use of disposables by 18 to 24-year-olds vapers fell from 52% in 2024 to 40% in 2025. Caroline Cerny, ASH's deputy chief executive, said: 'It's promising to see that many people switched away from disposable vapes to re-usable products well ahead of the ban. This new law is a step towards reducing vaping among children, while ensuring products are available to support people to quit smoking.' Sarah Sleet, chief executive at Asthma + Lung UK, said: 'With their pocket money prices, and child-friendly marketing and flavour options making them more accessible, disposables have fuelled the worrying rise in the number of children vaping. But the ban on sales is only the first step. Vaping should only be used as a tool to help someone quit smoking.' Libby Peake, senior fellow and head of resources at Green Alliance, said: 'Single use vapes should never have been allowed on the market. They've been a blight on our countryside, wasted resources needed for important uses like EV (electric vehicles) batteries and caused scores of fires at waste sites.' Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: 'Convenience retailers have been preparing for the disposables ban for several months, adapting their ranges and training colleagues on the products that they can sell." Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said: 'For too long, single-use vapes have blighted our streets as litter and hooked our children on nicotine. That ends today. The Government calls time on these nasty devices.'
The Guardian
12-05-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Asthma figures show ‘shocking' health inequalities in England, charity says
People from minority ethnic backgrounds in the most deprived areas of England are up to three times more likely to need emergency treatment for asthma than their white counterparts, analysis has found. Analysis of NHS statistics conducted by the charity Asthma and Lung UK found that Asian people with asthma from the most deprived quintile in England are almost three times more likely to have an emergency admission to hospital than their white counterparts. Black people with asthma in the most deprived quintile are more than twice as likely than their white counterparts to be admitted to hospital. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) aged between 45 and 54 in the most deprived quintile are nine times more likely to be admitted as an emergency than those in the least deprived quintile, according to the analysis. Across the UK, one in five people will develop a lung condition during their lifetime, while asthma affects one in nine adults and one in eight children. Asthma and Lung UK conducted a survey of more than 9,000 people living with a lung condition across England this year, which found that more than a third (34.2%) of respondents who had experienced material deprivation had used emergency care in the past year. Almost a fifth (17%) of respondents said they struggled to keep their home warm, rising to almost a third (28.2%) of renters. Sarah Sleet, the charity's chief executive, said the figures highlighted 'shocking health inequalities in our society'. Sleet said: 'The UK has the worst death rate in Europe for lung conditions and they are more closely linked to inequality than any other major health condition. The fact that people from the most deprived communities and from ethnic minority backgrounds are much more likely to reach crisis point is yet another wake-up call. 'Social disadvantages – including poor housing, mould, damp and air pollution – can both cause chronic lung conditions and make them worse. And it's the poorest in society and those in ethnic minority communities who are more likely to be living in low-quality housing and in areas with high levels of air pollution.' She said the government's 10-year plan for the NHS was an 'unmissable opportunity' to ensure respiratory health was prioritised. 'People with lung conditions need quick, accurate diagnoses and access to treatment and services enabling them to manage their condition well, improve their quality of life and remain part of the workforce for longer,' she said. 'This means action to cut smoking rates and support smokers to quit, tackle air pollution and address wider issues such as poor housing.' Dr Hugo Farne, a respiratory consultant at Imperial College with a specialist interest in asthma, said the statistics revealed a 'deeply troubling reality'. 'These figures are not just statistics – they reflect lives being cut short or limited by health inequalities that should not exist in modern Britain,' Farne said. 'There will be many reasons for this, including higher rates of smoking, increased exposure to air pollution, poor indoor air quality due to damp, health literacy, and variable access to GPs, stop-smoking services and vaccination, particularly where there are language and cultural barriers. These are largely preventable. 'These figures are a clear sign that healthcare support is not reaching those who need it most. This requires urgent action, not only on healthcare access and provision for disadvantaged communities but also targeted public health interventions addressing housing, heating and the social determinants of health.' NHS England has been approached for comment.
BBC News
19-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
North Cumbria and North East highest for repeat lung admissions
The number of people needing emergency care at least five times a year for breathing issues has risen in the North East and North + Lung UK's analysis of NHS England Hospital Episode Statistics found there were 4,490 patients in the region going to hospital more frequently in 2023/2024 - the highest in the across England found there were 42,050 hospital visits - an increase of 22.8% from the previous Department for Health and Social Care said it had delivered an extra two million appointments seven months earlier that it had promised. Dr Sharada Gudur, a consultant respiratory physician in Lancashire, said lung health was in a "critical state" and urgent action was needed. Of the 42,050 visits for emergency treatment for lung conditions, 45% of people with asthma and 58% of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), were repeat second highest, after the North East and North Cumbria was West Yorkshire with 3,050 patients visiting hospital more research also found that half of 3,428 patients were not offered follow-up appointments after emergency charity called for the issue to be prioritised as part of the government's upcoming 10 year health plan. Sarah Sleet, chief executive of Asthma + Lung UK, said: "It is unacceptable that people with lung conditions are being shunted between primary care and hospitals like this."We know the NHS can't fix everything at once, but lung health cannot keep falling to the bottom of the pile, nor can we allow people's postcodes or deprivation to determine their lung health outcomes."In a statement the Department for Health and Social Care said: "We're investing an extra £1.5bn on new surgical hubs and AI scanners, but know there is more to do."As part of the plan for change, we want to shift from sickness to prevention, so fewer patients have to go to A&E and those who do are treated quickly and with dignity."It added that it had taken "firm action" to tackle smoking with the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. 'Deprivation and smoking' Dr Gudur said: "The irony is that in medical school, respiratory care is the priority as the first thing you are taught to do is to check a patient's breathing. "But in practice, the reverse is true as lung health is rooted in much bigger problems like deprivation, poor housing, and smoking."The impact of repeat admissions on patients' mental and physical health is immense." Follow BBC North East on X and Facebook and BBC Cumbria on X and Facebook and both on Nextdoor and Instagram.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
4,500 people in region visit A&E for breathing issues at least five times a year
The North East and North Cumbria integrated care board saw the highest levels of people visiting hospital at least five times a year for emergency care for breathing issues according to new analysis. 4,490 people visited A&E in the region more than five times with respiratory problems in 2023/24 ahead of West Yorkshire (3,050), Cheshire and Merseyside (2,625) and Greater Manchester (2,030). Repeat admissions put 'immense' strain on the mental and physical health of patients, experts warned, amid claims many do not 'receive the respect of dignity they deserve'. Asthma + Lung UK is calling for the issue to be prioritised as part of the Government's upcoming 10 Year Health Plan to prevent lung health from 'falling to the bottom of the pile'. Of those needing emergency treatment for lung conditions, 45 per cent of people with asthma and 58 per cent of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties, were repeat attendees nationally. Sarah Sleet, chief executive of Asthma + Lung UK, said: 'It is unacceptable that people with lung conditions are being shunted between primary care and hospitals like this. 'We are living in the 21st century, and nobody should be stuck in A&E, fighting for breath, simply because their basic care has been neglected. 'We know the NHS can't fix everything at once, but lung health cannot keep falling to the bottom of the pile, nor can we allow people's postcodes or deprivation to determine their lung health outcomes. 'We need to see breathing issues taken seriously, and although we welcome government plans to create better neighbourhood health provision this must include a stronger focus on improving respiratory care otherwise these dehumanising and avoidable rebound hospital visits will continue to rise.' A spokesperson for the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: "As an ICB, we cover the largest geographical footprint in the country and have 10 accident and emergency departments within it. This will naturally show higher numbers in national data. "We know that poor respiratory health, whilst not exclusive, is closely linked to the poorest communities. READ MORE: Tractor Shed Brewing acquired by Crooked River Brewing Co. | News and Star 'With over 30 per cent of our neighbourhoods being in the most deprived nationally, we recognise that this is an issue in our region. 'Respiratory disease, specifically Asthma and COPD, is one of the five adult conditions we have identified in our Clinical Conditions strategic plan to be prioritised, and we have a dedicated team to support the strategic approach to delivering this plan. 'Additionally, Asthma in Children and Young People (CYP) is also a key priority in the CYP plan, and we also have a CYP team in the region dedicated to Asthma."
The Independent
18-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Surge in repeat hospital visits for lung conditions such as asthma
The number of people visiting hospital at least five times a year for emergency care for breathing issues has risen by almost a quarter across England, according to new analysis. Repeat admissions put 'immense' strain on the mental and physical health of patients, experts warned, amid claims many do not 'receive the respect of dignity they deserve'. Asthma + Lung UK is calling for the issue to be prioritised as part of the Government's upcoming 10 Year Health Plan to prevent lung health from 'falling to the bottom of the pile'. The charity's analysis of NHS England Hospital Episode Statistics found there were 42,050 visits to emergency departments in 2023/24 for breathing issues, in which the patient had attended A&E five or more times in a year. This is an increase of 22.8% on the previous 12 months. Of those needing emergency treatment for lung conditions, 45% of people with asthma and 58% of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties, were repeat attendees. However, an Asthma + Lung UK survey of 3,428 patients found almost half (49%) were not offered follow-up appointments for their lung condition the last time they received emergency care. Some 55% also told the poll that better access to GPs would have helped to avoid the use of emergency care. Sarah Sleet, chief executive of Asthma + Lung UK, said: 'It is unacceptable that people with lung conditions are being shunted between primary care and hospitals like this. 'We are living in the 21st century, and nobody should be stuck in A&E, fighting for breath, simply because their basic care has been neglected.' The analysis also highlighted regional variations in patients attending A&E five times or more. North East and North Cumbria topped the list with 4,490, followed by West Yorkshire (3,050), Cheshire and Merseyside (2,625), Greater Manchester (2,030) and Birmingham and Solihull (1,895). Those at the bottom of the list included Surrey Heartlands (310), Gloucestershire (245), Frimley (155) and Somerset (100). The charity is calling for the Government to prioritise lung health in the upcoming 10 Year Health Plan. It has also called for action to tackle mouldy housing, air pollution and smoking, as well as a £40 million ring-fenced fund for lung functions tests that help monitor conditions such as asthma and COPD. Ms Sleet added: 'We know the NHS can't fix everything at once, but lung health cannot keep falling to the bottom of the pile, nor can we allow people's postcodes or deprivation to determine their lung health outcomes. 'We need to see breathing issues taken seriously, and although we welcome government plans to create better neighbourhood health provision this must include a stronger focus on improving respiratory care otherwise these dehumanising and avoidable rebound hospital visits will continue to rise.' Emma Thompson, 47, from Wiltshire, has been in hospital 48 times in the last five years because of complications with asthma. Her condition deteriorated in 2019 after a bout of flu. 'Ever since, I have been living on a knife edge – I can no longer work, and I'm too scared to go out for a walk on my own in case I have an asthma attack,' Ms Thompson said. 'On a couple of occasions, I've been rushed straight to intensive care, and I have lost count of the number of times that I thought I was going to die. 'I am lucky that I have a good GP, but my experience in hospital has never been good, and my asthma has repeatedly been dismissed as anxiety.' Dr Sharada Gudur, who works as consultant respiratory physician in Lancashire and is an Asthma + Lung UK respiratory champion, said: 'Lung health in this country is in a critical state, and if urgent action isn't taken, it will need resuscitation. 'The challenges are deep-rooted, but they simply cannot be ignored. 'The irony is that in medical school, respiratory care is the priority as the first thing you are taught to do is to check a patient's breathing. But in practice, the reverse is true as lung health is rooted in much bigger problems like deprivation, poor housing, and smoking. 'We need real commitment to tackle the roots causes of lung disease, but that's only part of the problem. People are having repeat exacerbations, especially in densely populated parts of the country like the North West, where I work, because services simply cannot meet need. 'The impact of repeat admissions on patients' mental and physical health is immense. All too often, they don't receive the respect of dignity they deserve, and the toll on their lungs and other organs really can reduce their lifespan and cause depression.' A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'This Government is committed to transforming diagnostic services, including for lung diseases. 'We have already made progress on our mission to cut waiting lists – delivering an extra two million appointments seven months early and we're investing an extra £1.5 billion on new surgical hubs and AI scanners, but know there is more to do. 'As part of the Plan for Change, we want to shift from sickness to prevention, so fewer patients have to go to A&E and those who do are treated quickly and with dignity. 'We are taking firm action to tackle the harms of smoking, which is the leading risk factor of lung cancer, through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill which is the biggest public health intervention in a generation and will put us on track towards a smoke-free UK.'
