Cross Party Group on Lung Health

Grŵp Trawsbleidiol ar Iechyd yr Ysgyfaint

Meeting 13^th May 2025

9.30am

Attendees:

MSs:

• John Griffiths MS (Chair)

Other Attendees:

· Bec Miller (Asthma + Lung UK Cymru) (Secretary)

· Calum Higgins (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy / Allied Health Professions Federation Cymru)

· Chris Griffiths (Centre for Applied Respiratory Research, Innovation and Impact)

· Frankie Toner (Chiesi)

· Joanne Allen (NHS Wales Performance and Improvement)

· Joseph Carter (Asthma + Lung UK Cymru)

· Josephine (member of the public)

· Kimberley Lewis (PTHB – Therapies and Sciences)

· Michelle Davie (NHS Wales)

· Michelle Treasure (Asthma + Lung UK)

· Philip Webb (Health and Wellbeing 360 Ltd)

1. Welcome and Apologies
John Griffiths opened the meeting, welcoming all attendees.

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting (February 2025) were approved without objection.

3. Matters Arising
Bec Miller noted that the group had written to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services about asthma in schools and nursing interfaces. A response was received, and John Griffiths is expected to hear from policy officials shortly.

Joseph Carter thanked John Griffiths for engaging with local health boards regarding asthma in schools and highlighted ongoing discussions to replicate this work in other areas.

4. Presentation: Chris Griffiths- Centre for Applied Respiratory Research, Innovation and Impact (CARRii)

Chris Griffiths delivered a presentation on the Centre’s work to transform lung health through research, innovation, and policy advocacy.

Key points included:

· Focus on addressing winter pressures in the NHS and reducing health inequalities.

· Emphasis on partnership with patients, industry, academia, and policy bodies.

· Key themes: reducing infections, connected care through digital tools, and optimising clinical care.

· Importance of upstream interventions such as vaccination and air quality improvements.

· Need for better implementation of research findings through policy change and advocacy.

Questions following presentation:

Philip Webb raised the issue of environmental quality in homes and buildings, highlighting the significant health and economic impacts of poor indoor air quality. He emphasised the role of building standards and monitoring in Wales to address health inequalities.

Chris Griffiths agreed on the importance of indoor air quality, noting ongoing research and collaborations to tackle these issues.

Josephine highlighted the lack of accessible information in GP surgeries on air pollution’s impact on asthma and COPD, suggesting the need for preventive messaging in primary care settings. Chris supported this call for greater availability of high-quality educational materials in GP practices.

Josephine also raised concerns about the negative feedback she received from her GP about self-monitoring respiratory health data. Chris encouraged self-monitoring where it supports patient empowerment and control.

5. Presentation: Allied Health Professions and the Right to Rehab Campaign

Calum Higgins presented on the Right to Rehab campaign and the work of the Allied Health Professions Federation Cymru.

              Key points included:

· Achievements of the Right to Rehab campaign, including national rehab standards and additional funding for rehab services.

· Ongoing work to address the postcode lottery in rehab provision across Wales and the importance of national leadership through the NHS Executive.

· Campaign asks: consistent delivery of rehab standards, rehab leads in hospitals, rehab representation on Regional Partnership Boards, and promoting ‘rehab champions’ among elected representatives.

· AHPF Cymru’s five asks of the next Welsh Government, including a national workforce strategy, equitable access to rehab services, and investment in community health infrastructure.

Discussion followed on the challenges of funding for AHPs and the need for cultural change and parity of esteem  to recognise the role of AHPs alongside other clinical staff.

Philip Webb noted the ongoing conversations within the NHS Executive (now NHS Wales Performance and Improvement) to shift funding towards prevention, aligning with the Right to Rehab campaign’s objectives. He also offered to share environmental data that may support the campaign’s work.

Kimberley Lewis emphasised the need for systemic change to enable proactive, prevention-focused services, highlighting the challenge of working within reactive structures.

6. Next Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for 23 September 2025, following the summer recess. The agenda will include an update on breathlessness hubs.

7. Any Other Business
No additional items were raised.