LUNG patients in York are missing out on rehabilitation that could radically improve their quality of life - and could reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.

The lack of funding for pulmonary rehabilitation has been highlighted by the British Lung Foundation (BLF) and the British Thoracic Society (BTS) who have just published a new survey.

The survey revealed that out of 266 hospitals across the country, only 160 provide some form of pulmonary rehabilitation to lung patients.

Those which provide the service included Harrogate District Hospital, Friarage Hospital in Northallerton and Scarborough General Hospital - but not York Hospital.

Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes involve exercise, education on nutrition and lung health and also social and psychological support.

Dr Mike Morgan of the BLF said: "Every single person who would benefit should have access to a full pulmonary rehabilitation programme.

"The evidence supporting the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation is overwhelming and I believe the Government should be funding full programmes throughout the country."

A spokesman for York Health Service NHS Trust said that a pilot rehabilitation programme was currently being run at York Hospital and one had just been completed in Selby.

However only a limited service, run by specialist nurses and physiotherapists, was available to patients full-time to help speed up discharge from hospital.

Funding for services at York Hospital is mainly provided by Selby and York Primary Care Trust.

A joint statement from both trusts states: "Both organisations continue to monitor patient numbers and are constantly discussing and re-evaluating ways of providing a service which is of greatest benefit to the patient."

Dr John Harvey, chairman of the BTS communications committee, said: "It is vital that care for patients does not stop at the lung specialist's door.

"There is a growing body of evidence that pulmonary rehabilitation programmes can improve the quality of life of people with chronic lung disease and reduce life-threatening attacks and hospital admissions."

Dame Helena Shovelton, chief executive of the BLF, said: "We are determined to end this postcode lottery of care.

"No matter where you live or what hospital you are under, everyone should get the best possible treatment and rehabilitation possible. But the lack of funding is simply stopping consultants and nurses from doing their jobs properly."

Updated: 09:43 Friday, June 13, 2003