04 October 2010
Trained health staff will be offering people in Jersey free lung health tests (known as spirometry) on Thursday 14 October to mark World Spirometry Day.
2010 is the Year of the Lung and this event is being held to encourage more people to get their lungs tested for an early indication of respiratory diseases such as asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – this is when the airways to the lungs become narrowed.
7% of all deaths worldwide each year are caused by preventable lung diseases, and they are the third biggest killer in Jersey. Many people face a long and painful old age due to conditions that are more manageable if caught early through proper tests, like spirometry.
Health and Social Services Clinical Investigation’s department together with 3 GP surgeries have organised free testing at:
- Special Functions Room at the General Hospital (Parade Entrance) from 10am to 6pm
Spirometry is an accurate measure of lung health. It gives patients valuable knowledge about the damage they may be inflicting on their lungs and the current state of their lung function. Once the 5 minute test is completed, the results will be explained (and with permission may be forwarded with a letter to the person’s GP.)
Consultant Respiratory Physician, Dr Andrew Luksza, said “Spirometry testing is like an MOT check for the lungs – it’s likely you’ll get the all clear, but it can be invaluable in raising early warning signs for potential problems.
“As part of World Spirometry Day, we want to show Islanders how they can gain control of their lung health by taking a few minutes out of their daily routine for a simple and painless spirometry test.”
Free tests will also be available at the following surgeries for patients from these practices only:
- Health Plus, 10am-2pm
- Island Medical Centre, 10am-6pm
- Indigo House Medical Practice, 9am-1.30pm
People who are unable to make the events on 14 October are being advised that spirometry testing is available from selected GP surgeries and at the asthma and respiratory information mornings held at the General Hospital on Saturdays between 9am and 12 noon.
gov.je