Warning NHS could become ‘overwhelmed’ amid rise in emergency cases

Hospitals are at risk of becoming overwhelmed due to a significant rise in people needing urgent help with lung conditions, a charity has warned.

Asthma and Lung UK said that over the last two years alone, there has been a 23 per cent increase in emergency hospital admissions for respiratory conditions – such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The charity said patients are not getting “consistent” care throughout the year and warned of a spike in people needing emergency help during the winter. It said there are now “regular” winter crises due to “dismal” delivery of routine care for patients with these conditions.

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Source: The Independent, 18 November 2025