News
Love your Lungs (Meir)
Could your breathing be better?
Do you become out of breath walking up the stairs? Do you stop to catch your breath more often than you used to? Have you had a cough that won't go away or find yourself wheezing?
Many people think feeling breathless is just part of getting older or something they have to live with. But that's not always true.
Breathlessness can sometimes be an early sign of a lung condition, heart problem or another health issue. The earlier it is identified, the sooner support and treatment can begin.
That's why Meir Primary Care Network (Meir PCN) is working with University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) and Midlands Partnership Trust Respiratory Specialist Nurses to help local people understand their lung health and access the right supportthrough a Love Your Lungs (Meir) Campaign.
Why is lung health so important?
Every breath you take delivers oxygen around your body. Healthy lungs help you:
- Walk further without stopping
- Stay active and independent
- Sleep better
- Have more energy
- Reduce your risk of serious illness
- Improve your overall quality of life
Around one in five people in the UK will experience a lung condition during their lifetime. Conditions such as:
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Asthma
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Bronchiectasis
- Lung Cancer
can often develop gradually, meaning people don't always realise there is a problem until symptoms become more severe.
Recognising the signs early can make a real difference.
What is the Love your Lungs (Meir)Project?
The Love your Lungs Project is designed to identify people who may be living with undiagnosed or poorly controlled breathing problems.
Working together, Meir PCN, UHNM and MPFT Respiratory Specialist Nurses are reaching out to patients who may benefit from further assessment, advice or support.
The project aims to:
- Improve awareness of lung health
- Help identify breathing problems earlier
- Support people to access the right care
- Reduce unnecessary hospital admissions
- Help people stay healthier for longer
Who could benefit?
You may benefit if you:
- Often feel breathless doing everyday activities
- Have a persistent cough
- Wheeze regularly
- Smoke or have smoked in the past
- Have worked in dusty or industrial environments
- Have repeated chest infections
- Have been told you have asthma or COPD but still struggle with your breathing
Even if your symptoms seem mild, it's worth talking to us.
What happens next?
If you've received information about the project or have seen one of our posters:
- Scan the QR code or complete the online questionnaire.
- One of our team will review your answers.
- If needed, we'll contact you to discuss your symptoms.
- We may arrange further assessment or direct you to the most appropriate service.
Not everyone will need an appointment, but everyone who takes part helps us better understand the health needs of our community.
Looking after your lungs
There are lots of simple things you can do to improve your lung health:
✔ Stop smoking – it's never too late to benefit.
✔ Stay active with regular walking or gentle exercise.
✔ Keep up to date with your flu and COVID vaccinations if you're eligible.
✔ Attend your asthma or COPD reviews.
✔ Eat well and maintain a healthy weight.
✔ Seek advice if your breathing changes.
Small changes today can make a big difference tomorrow.
Working together for a healthier Meir
This project is part of Meir PCN's commitment to improving the health of local people through prevention, early diagnosis and personalised care.
By working closely with University Hospitals of North Midlands and MPFT Respiratory Specialist Nurses, we can ensure patients receive the right support at the right time.
Together, we're helping people breathe easier, stay healthier and live well.
Find out more
If you'd like more information about the Breathlessness Project, please:
- Speak to your GP Practice
- Contact the Meir PCN team: MierPCN@stoke.nhs.uk
Because every breath matters.
Don't ignore these symptoms
Seek advice if you experience:
🫁 Breathlessness during everyday activities
🫁 A cough lasting more than three weeks
🫁 Wheezing
🫁 Frequent chest infections
🫁 Tightness in your chest
Early diagnosis can make a big difference.
Published on 6th Aug 2026
Page created: 13 March 2026