Respiratory disease is recognised as one of the key developing long term disease burdens associated with an aging population. Up to 100,000 people in Canterbury may be affected by respiratory issues including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and sleep disorders. Many of the risk factors associated with respiratory disease, such as smoking, poor housing, heating and air quality, and poor nutrition are seen as preventable.

In response to this growing need, Canterbury has developed a community-based, integrated service, which consists of the following components:

• Pathways
• Community Spirometry Testing
• Sleep Assessments
• Community Pulmonary Rehabilitation
• Community Respiratory Specialist Physician