Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that all patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have access to community rehabilitation in accordance with NICE guidelines; and if he will make a statement.

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is one of the most effective treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Department supports the National Health Service to increase access to PR and improve the quality of care for people with long-term respiratory conditions.

Respiratory disease is clinical priority in the NHS Long Term Plan. A working group has been developing policy proposals with the aim of delivering specific improvements in respiratory disease. One of the areas under review is the current service provision for PR services in England.

The NHS RightCare COPD pathway, which is now being rolled out nationally through clinical commissioning groups, includes timely access to PR as part of the optimal treatment pathway.

NHS England is working with NHS Improvement, Public Health England and the third sector to ensure all components of the COPD pathway including identification, diagnosis, treatment and management of respiratory conditions are coordinated across the health system.