PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

Early day motion 1225, tabled 8 December 2005 by Chris Bryant (Labour). Signed by 98 members.

That this House congratulates the Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK (PHA-UK) on marking its fifth anniversary; notes that pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition involving high blood pressure and structural changes in the walls of the pulmonary arteries afflicting around 100,000 to 200,000 people worldwide; further notes that PH has a worse prognosis than most cancers, with a mortality rate of 40 per cent. per year; recognises the invaluable support PHA-UK provides for its members; is aware that until very recently PH was untreatable but that today, with proper diagnosis and fast access to a PH specialist, there are several therapies to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for patients, enabling in many cases a return to work or school; and calls on the Government to ensure that PH patients receive the best treatment, by announcing long-term secure funding for both the evidence-based drug therapies and the service provided by designated centres.

Signatures by party: Labour 49, Liberal Democrat 25, Conservative 14, DUP 5, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1, UUP 1.