An award-winning team identifying people in Hull with undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been shortlisted for another prestigious national award.
Our brilliant Respiratory team, based at Castle Hill Hospital, has been nominated for the Parliamentarian’s Choice Award at the inaugural Parliamentary Pathfinder NHS Innovation Adoption Awards 2026.
Thanks to a collaborative working agreement with Chiesi Ltd, the nomination recognises the FRONTIER project, led by respiratory nurse specialists Karen Watkins and Kayleigh Brindle and respiratory consultant, Professor Michael Crooks.
The team uses lung cancer screening results to identify people at high risk of undiagnosed COPD, inviting around 1,100 for rapid assessment. In just three years, COPD has been diagnosed in 576 people, many of whom had been struggling without treatment despite debilitating symptoms.
Innovation Programme Manager Nick Deayton said: “The project offers patients rapid access to diagnosis, treatment and support in one visit. We offer immediate clinical review, alongside support to stop smoking and referrals to pulmonary rehabilitation, if that’s appropriate.
“By finding COPD earlier, we start care sooner. It means we can focus on early intervention and achieve a better quality of life for people rather than just reacting once they become seriously unwell.”
FRONTIER’s success has already secured national recognition, highlighted in Parliament as good practice last year and the team won a prestigious Excellence in Patient Care award from the Royal College of Physicians earlier this year.
The Parliamentarian’s Choice Award recognises innovation with national significance, policy relevance or public benefit and the awards ceremony will be held in Central London on Monday 16th November.