Approximately 1 in 5 adults and children in the UK have a history of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or another longstanding respiratory illness. Rates of respiratory illness are generally similar for men and women. Despite many advances in prevention and treatment, lung disease still account for around 20 percent of all deaths in the UK. More locally, 14% of emergency hospital admissions in Leicester are for lung disease.
The respiratory theme of the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre is located in the Institute for Lung Health building at Glenfield Hospital. It was first established in 2012 as a Biomedical Research Unit (BRU).
NIHR funding has allowed the development of a specially designed unit including: a welcoming reception area, twelve respiratory treatment rooms, a four-bedded ward, respiratory testing room, two laboratories and office space. These allow our multi-disciplinary team to conduct translational research – from the laboratory to the patient’s bedside.
Patients are at the heart of our work, from the beach-themed clinical rooms to increase relaxation, to participating in the design and delivery of our research and clinical trials.
The respiratory theme focuses on promoting the development of new and effective therapies for the treatment of lung disease, including severe asthma, chronic cough and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
We have developed three main research areas to meet our aims:
- Discovery
- Biomarkers and Phenotypes
- Clinical Interventions
The respiratory theme’s director is Professor Chris Brightling and the manager is Beverley Hargadon.
1. British Lung Foundation, https://statistics.blf.org.uk/lung-disease-uk-big-picture, Viewed 15 August 2017
2. Leicester Joint Strategic Needs Assessment 2016 https://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council/policies-plans-and-strategies/health-and-social-care/data-reports-information/jsna/jsna-2016/adults-older-people/conditions-populations-and-services/respiratory-disease/ Viewed 15 August 2017