23 June 2023

MORE than 9,000 Portsmouth residents have had a free ‘lung health MOT’ as part of a pilot programme, that one patient described as ‘peace of mind’.

The Targeted Lung Health Check Programme, which started in the city last June, has invited thousands of current and former smokers, aged between 55 and 74 so far, for a free check to catch any early signs of lung conditions.

The majority of those checked and scanned had no ongoing issues and will be invited for another quick check in around two years.

Others with signs of lung conditions have been directly referred to clinics and 100 people referred to the lung cancer service for further investigation or treatment.

Denise Stapleton was invited to her free lung health check, at the new lung health clinic rooms at the Rodney Road Centre in Fratton, and received all clear results last month.

The 70-year-old said: “Getting all clear has really given me peace of mind. My mother died from lung cancer, and as an ex-smoker, it is always on your mind what there might be, and this free check is fantastic.”

“All you have to do is answer some questions and then get a scan if you need. The staff at the clinic were really lovely and I would really encourage anyone to go, please don’t worry.”

All those invited to the programme have been given support to join stop smoking programmes. Those who quit will see their lung function increase by up to 10% after 3 months and their risk of heart attack halved after one year, compared with a current smoker.

The free check, run by Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust as part of a national NHS programme, has also seen the early diagnosis of lung cancer increase.

Of those scanned throughout the last 12 months, 100 have been referred to the lung cancer service and 80% of those diagnosed were found at Stage 1 and 2. Prior to the programme only 38% were found at this earlier and more treatable stage. This is crucial, as if found early there is a very good chance the person can be cured. 

Targeted Lung Health Check Clinical Director at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Dr Ben Green said: “Our free lung health check has now been running for a year in Portsmouth and we are seeing some fantastic results.

“Our year anniversary lands in ‘Love Your Lungs Week’ and we really want to encourage people to take up their Lung Health Check invite when they get it, or get in touch if they have missed their appointment previously.

“We know it can be a bit daunting to come along for a check, but  often it will turn up clear.  If  we do find anything, then it is better it is  caught earlier as it gives us more treatment options and a better chance of curing the illness."

If you have missed your free Lung Health Check appointment or think you should have received an invite letter, please call the team on 02392 282625.

For more information, please visit www.porthosp.nhs.uk/lunghealthcheck