A pioneering clinic led by South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has won national recognition for transforming care for people experiencing breathlessness.
The Assessment of Breathing Clinic (ABC) brings together GPs, consultants, therapists, and social prescribers to offer a one-stop service for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This joined-up approach reduces appointments, improves access, and empowers patients to manage their health proactively.
Breathlessness affects over 10% of adults and is a leading cause of emergency hospital admissions – especially in areas like Sunderland and South Tyneside, where lung disease and deprivation rates are among the highest in the UK.
The ABC model has shown measurable impact:
The programme was recently named winner in the Improved Treatments, Therapies and Rehabilitation category at the Medipex Awards, recognising its innovation and success in tackling health inequalities.
Clinical leads Anne-Marie Cole and Dr Mickey Jachuck praised the team’s collaborative spirit and the patients who embraced change, highlighting ABC’s potential to support other long-term conditions.
