COPD Winter Readiness

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbations have a considerable impact on healthcare costs and mortality rates, with over one-fifth of patients hospitalised for a COPD exacerbation for the first time and subsequent mortality within one year of discharge. Exacerbations of COPD account for one in every eight admissions, increasing by around 13% each year and are the second largest cause of Emergency Department (ED) admissions in the UK. COPD exacerbation's significantly rise during colder months, with approximately 50% increased hospital admissions for COPD patients in winter com…