Why it matters: The rise reflects a national pattern, with England recording its highest number of respiratory admissions since the Covid-19 pandemic. Health experts warn these "avoidable" hospital visits highlight gaps in preventive care.
By the numbers: The local increase represents 1,805 more admissions than the previous year, bringing the rate to 1,369 per 100,000 people. This sits below England's average of 1,428 per 100,000, but the upward trend mirrors national concerns.
Respiratory diseases include asthma, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. They are the third biggest cause of death in England and are often linked to smoking, air pollution and exposure to hazardous materials such as asbestos.
The bigger picture: Nationally, there were 854,922 A&E admissions for respiratory disease in 2023-24 – up 8% from 790,241 the year before. This marks the highest figure since 2019-20 during the pandemic.
What they're saying: Emma Rubach, head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK, said: "Emergency hospital admissions for respiratory disease should be going down, not up, and while the NHS can't fix everything at once, lung health should not be kept at the bottom of the pile."
She explained repeated hospital visits for those with lung conditions can be "very frightening and demoralising", adding national guidelines for respiratory care and support "are not followed in a consistent or widespread manner".
Dr Richard Russell, chair of the British Thoracic Society, warned respiratory disease is a "major" cause of hospital admissions. He explained inequality and deprivation are driving the increasing numbers, with poorer communities most at risk.
He called for respiratory disease to be acknowledged as "one of the biggest problems facing this country" and for more resources to prevent admissions, improve treatment and increase research.
The other side: A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said the Government is investing £1.5 billion on new surgical hubs and AI scanners to improve diagnostic services, including for lung diseases, to prevent emergency admissions.
They added: "Through our Plan for Change to cut waiting lists, we have now exceeded our pledge to deliver an additional two million appointments, tests and operations, having delivered 3.6 million more since July 2024."
The Government is also tackling smoking through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, described as "the biggest public health intervention in a generation" towards a smoke-free UK.
The bottom line: Rising respiratory admissions in Suffolk and North East Essex reflect broader healthcare challenges, with experts calling for improved preventive care to reduce avoidable hospital visits and better support for those with lung conditions.
