Linda McLeod BEM and Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire

That the Parliament commends the tireless work and tenacity of Linda McLeod BEM, Chair of the support group, Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire, in her continual push for the return of pulmonary rehabilitation exercise classes to Clackmannanshire for people with chronic lung diseases such as COPD; understands that January 2019 saw the closure of the tele-health conferencing services for pulmonary rehabilitation to Clackmannanshire Community Health Centre; is concerned that the relocation of pulmonary rehabilitation away from Forth Valley Hospital will disrupt access to these vital services; understands that Linda, along with the patients, campaigned tirelessly for this service to be introduced due to the high demand in Clackmannanshire; is worried at reports that this service has now reduced; understands that 6% of all deaths across Scotland in 2018 were attributed to chronic lung disease; considers that ensuring access to high-quality respiratory care should be an NHS priority; believes that it is critical that pulmonary rehabilitation services are retained locally to ensure that people with COPD who find it difficult to travel can access them easily, and congratulates Breath Easy Clackmannanshire on being shortlisted as a finalist for the Best Not-For-Profit Organisation Award in the 2019 Clackmannanshire Business Awards, which will be held in Alloa Town Hall on 29 August 2019 and will celebrate and recognise local groups and businesses that contribute to the Wee County’s local economy.