A new programme aims to help people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

University Hospitals of North Midlands Trust (UHNM) has secured £250,000 in national funding from the Respiratory Pathway Transformation (RTP) Fund to improve how respiratory care is delivered across communities with a historic mining heritage.

UHNM, which runs Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital in Stafford, explained that Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire currently have the highest COPD admission rates in the country, with around 950 admissions per 100,000 people each year.

Dr Ajit Thomas Consultant Respiratory Physician, said: "COPD is a major challenge locally, with admission rates significantly higher than the national average.

"This funding will allow us to build on the work we've already started with our partners to improve how respiratory care is delivered.

The project will bring together partners from across the local health system, including primary care, Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) and local mining charities to focus on earlier diagnosis, better specialist support in the community and closer working between services.

Dr Ajit Thomas added: "By working more closely with primary care, community services and local mining charities, we want to identify patients earlier, provide more specialist support in the community and help people stay healthier for longer.

"This project has the potential to make a real difference to respiratory patients across our communities and reduce avoidable hospital admissions."

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The work will be supported by the Health Innovation Network and Health Innovation Oxford & Thames Valley, who will help evaluate the project and measure improvements in patient outcomes.