The NHS is under ‘severe pressure’ this winter as hospitals face an increase in air pollution-related respiratory admissions.

Axar.az reports citing foreign media that a group of 175 doctors and health professionals have published a letter in the Times today (18 December), urging the Prime Minister to commit to cutting air pollution levels to match World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines and to increase funding to the NHS.

The group cited official NHS statics, which revealed that A&E departments are facing an increase in patients attending with respiratory conditions, with nearly one third (30%) of attendees aged one and under suffering with bronchitis.

The professionals also referenced research from King’s College London which highlighted the link between increased pollution and respiratory problems, specifically that living near a busy road can increase the risk of asthma and bronchitis in children by up to 11.5%.

The evidence is clear, dirty air is a major contributing factor to lung conditions and the NHS’s winter workload.

‘We need the government to urgently commit to reaching WHO guidelines and set out clear actions to meet them by 2030.’