Report slams NHS asthma treatment

An estimated four million asthma sufferers are struggling needlessly with symptoms because the NHS is not providing a high enough standard of care, according to research published today.

The findings by a team from the National Asthma Campaign – to coincide with World Asthma Day – indicates that 74% of the 5.1 million people with asthma in the UK face "real restrictions" on their quality of life when, with proper healthcare management, they could be living "virtually symptom-free".

In order to cut down on symptoms, the campaign has set out a 10-point plan for asthmatics. Among those listed are demands for: a personal asthma plan; an annual review for adults and a six-monthly review for children; high-quality treatment and information; training on how to use medicines and devices; and access to a GP or nurse with specific asthma training.

Donna Covey, the campaign's chief executive, said the list was a "charter for change".

"It describes the quality of care that these millions of people should receive from the NHS and aims to ensure that everyone who works in the NHS and government gives asthma the priority it deserves," she said.

The charter was written in consultation with people with asthma and asthma specialists, and is drawn from new guidelines produced by the British Thoracic Society and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network.

The campaign is also encouraging people to help it to ensure that government and the NHS prioritise asthma, by contacting their MP or MSP, writing to their local primary care organisation and, in Scotland, their local health council.

For advice and information on medication or other asthma treatments, call the Asthma Helpline 0845 701 0203.

(GMcG)