On World Pneumonia Day Barbara has called for action to prevent so many older people suffering from pneumonia.

World Pneumonia Day takes place on the 12th November and aims to raise awareness of pneumonia and the need to reduce the numbers of people who become seriously ill with the disease. Older people and those with chronic health conditions are particularly at risk from pneumonia.

Over 190,000 people are hospitalised with the condition each year, despite pneumonia being a treatable and often preventable condition.

Barbara said:

“There are serious concerns that the NHS is under great financial pressure currently and fears that a winter crisis would leave the NHS less able to cope than in earlier years. So, it is vital that everything possible is done to tackle pneumonia and the contribution it makes to those winter pressures. This includes calls for Government to support programmes of vaccination against pneumonia.”

“Pneumonia it is a particular worry with older people, who are more vulnerable to the infection and to complications from it. More than half the people admitted to hospital each year with pneumonia are over 65 and more than 11,000 older people die from pneumonia every year in England. Pneumonia is treatable and often preventable, so more must be done to reduce the number of people who become seriously ill with it and vaccination can help with that.”