A local MP is calling for better support for former coal miners suffering with respiratory (lung) problems.
Sherwood’s MP, Mark Spencer, has organised a ‘Lung Function Summit Meeting’ to bring together doctors and other health care professionals to push for better lung care for ex miners.
The MP has been working with the Union of Democratic Mineworkers to support ex-coal miners with pneumoconiosis.
They are campaigning for CT scans to replace X-rays as the norm for detecting lung-based problems in ex-miners – something which currently is not occurring in the NHS.
Mr Spencer said: “I’m working hard with the Union of Democratic Mineworkers to try and gather enough support to make the change from X ray to CT scans for ex-miners and continue to push the issue of Lung health in former mineworkers.”
“I’ve organised this summit meeting that will put myself, the UDM, doctors and health care professionals from Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust, the Newark & Sherwood CCG, Nottingham University Hospitals, Kings Mill Hospital, Nottinghamshire Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust and Health officials from the County Council together in one room so we can work out a way of how to move forward together.”
“The aim of my meeting, as well as bringing all these different but relevant parties together, is to produce a report for the Health Scrutiny Committee, Nottinghamshire County Council, pushing for CT scans to be used for ex-miners.”
“I think lung and respiratory problems are definitely getting up on the agenda. The NHS Long Term Plan, published this month lists respiratory disease as a priority, is a huge step forward for our campaign, and a positive step forward by the government.”
“I’m really pleased to be working with the UDM to try to secure these changes, and I’m hopeful that the first summit meeting will be useful and productive, and lead to some positive results.”