THE number of people who died from respiratory diseases in Wales fell by 10 per cent in a year, according to a report published today.

The first all-Wales annual report for respiratory services also reveals that during the same period - 2013 to 2014 - there was an eight per cent reduction in the overall pneumonia death rate.

The findings were welcomed by deputy health minister Vaughan Gething AM, who said: "This report demonstrates how health boards are improving standards of patient care."

“We will continue to ensure people have timely access to high-quality care, irrespective of where they live and how these services are delivered, and that they can maximise the benefits of any treatment they may require."

The Together for Health - Respiratory Annual Report 2015 also reveals that:

• Emergency admissions linked to respiratory conditions fell by 11.1 per cent between 2013/14 and 2014/15;

• Smoking prevalence fell from 28 per cent in 2004/05, to 20 per cent in 2014;

• The amount of time a person spends in hospital with a respiratory condition has fallen gradually, from 6.2 days in 2010/11, to 5.5 days in 2014/15, with a similar reduction for emergency admissions, (6.5 days to 5.5 days);

• Readmissions for respiratory conditions fell by 13 per cent between 2010/11 and 2014/15;

• Recruitment to clinical respiratory studies increased in 2014/15 by 166 compared to the previous year.

The report also outlines areas for improvement, including increasing the uptake of flu vaccination among people under 65 who are deemed 'at risk'. The target is 75 per cent a year, but current annual uptake is around 50 per cent.

Reducing further the average length of stay for people with pneumonia or flu - 11.2 days in 2014/15, is another area for improvement. The aforementioned figure is considerably longer than for other respiratory conditions.

Work is also required to reduce the percentage of patients (63 per cent) not assessed for pulmonary rehabilitation prior to discharge.

It is estimated that 13 per cent, or almost one-in-eight, Welsh adults are being treated for a respiratory condition, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), while disorders affecting the lungs are thought to be the cause of one in seven (15 per cent) deaths in Wales.

The report highlights several projects helping to improve the lives of respiratory patients, including two in Gwent.

Dedicated respiratory wards with a minimum of four ward rounds a week, and enhanced support for patients following discharge, have helped Aneurin Bevan University Health Board achieve the shortest lengths of stay in hospital in Wales for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) patients.

And collaboration between the health board's respiratory support and palliative care teams, supported by St David's Hospice Care, helps ensure timely assessments and support for patients.