LIFE SAVING EQUIPMENT FOR LUNG ATTACK PATIENTS

Early day motion 452, tabled 20 January 2004 by Harry Barnes (Labour). Signed by 72 members.

That this House acknowledges that people suffering from potentially life-threatening lung attacks, caused by sudden deteriorations of their lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer, often do not receive the fastest, most effective treatment when they arrive at hospital because of a lack of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) equipment; notes that in accordance with British Thoracic Society guidelines, every NHS hospital in the UK should be required to have life-saving equipment for lung attack patients in the same way that they are required to do so for heart attack patients; and urges the NHS to review this situation and implement a national NIV programme, improving patient care and freeing up beds in intensive care units.

Signatures by party: Labour 40, Liberal Democrat 16, Labour/Co-operative 5, DUP 4, Plaid Cymru 3, UUP 3, Conservative 1.