On Tuesday 14th November the Scottish Parliament recognised World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) day.
Rachael Hamilton MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire paid tribute to the Eyemouth & District Rehab Support Group for those with COPD and called for Pulmonary Rehabilitation in the Scottish Borders.
The Eyemouth support group was set up by Jock Shiells, with help from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, after a gap in local provision was identified. The Scottish Borders is the only region without a Pulmonary Rehabilitation provision.
Mrs Hamilton visited the support group and saw the fantastic work being done and learnt about the effects of COPD.
129,000 people are diagnosed with COPD in Scotland. In the Scottish Borders, there are 2,742 people recorded with the condition.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said: "I was pleased to have the opportunity to not only recognise world COPD day but also raise awareness of the great work done by Eyemouth & District Rehab Support Group.
"Eyemouth Rehab Support Group managed to combine the health and social needs vital to rehabilitation. Thanks to the energy of its members and the support of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and Live Borders the group is thriving and making a real difference to people’s lives.
"I hope that Pulmonary Rehabilitation will once again come to the Scottish Borders and the 2,742 Borderers with the condition get access to a much needed service."