Long-term Conditions

Long-term conditions are chronic illnesses that greatly affect people’s life styles and consist of health problems that require ongoing management over a period of years or decades. They include conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and affect over 17.5 million people in the UK.

Key facts

  • 75-85% of healthcare expenditure is related to chronic disease
  • 80% of GP consultations and 60% of hospital bed usage relates to a long term condition
  • 60% of people over-65 have a chronic disease, set to double in next 10 yrs
  • COPD costs the UK NHS £818 m and one million inpatient days per year

For information on the following long-term conditions click on the links below