Helen Parnell describes the needs of an often overlooked group of carers - those who look after relatives with respiratory disease. She discusses the need for government policy to more actively recognise their important role in community care.

Helen Parnell RN, DipN (Lond) is a Respiratory Nurse Specialist, Airways Clinic, St Helier Hospital, Carshalton.

Article accepted for publication
November 2000.