The British Lung Foundation is disappointed that Alan Johnson failed to address the UK’s second biggest killer, respiratory disease, when announcing a mass programme of health checks for over-40s in England.

The Health Secretary outlined plans for GPs to offer patients aged between 40 and 74 blood pressure, weight and cholesterol checks alongside lifestyle advice every five years, but made no mention of lung tests.

Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation said: “Respiratory disease is the UK’s second biggest killer and one of the biggest diseases of inequality, yet it has been spectacularly overlooked in this announcement”.

The scheme is due to be launched on 1st April and will involve the writing of letters to those identified to be most at risk.The aim is to ensure that there is a personal check which is specific to each patient and that more lives will be saved as a result.

It is hoped that 650 lives will be saved every year by the new initiative, although questions are being asked as to the reasons for respiratory disease not being included in the scheme.

Dame Helena explains, “Respiratory conditions are the most common cause of emergency hospital admissions and they place a huge burden on the NHS so early screening is vital. A simple lung test in primary care could bring huge improvements in early detection, particularly in deprived areas of the UK

It has been reported that it may take several years for everyone to receive their first check under the new scheme