Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the world’s most disabling non-communicable health problems.1 The prevalence of COPD is estimated at about 4-5% and yet only about a third have yet been diagnosed. So for an average GP practice list of approximately 1,800, there may be as many as 90 patients with the condition, but only about 30 with a confirmed diagnosis. Both mortality and morbidity are increasing1 and it is now recognized that the condition is equally prevalent in people under the age of 65 years of age as those over.2 The social and lifestyle impact on the individual living with the condition and their families will be dependent on a multitude of factors such as disease severity, age, existence of co-morbidities and family and social support systems. Some will experience a gradual loss of independence, while others will be more profoundly affected at an earlier stage of the disease pathway.