2 March 2007
Today (Friday) sees the launch of a new drive to improve the lives of the thousands of people living with asthma in Scotland.
Today (Friday) sees the launch of a new drive to improve the lives of the thousands of people living with asthma in Scotland.
Increased use of first aid action plans for children with asthma is one of a number of proposals put forward in a report produced by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHS QIS), Asthma UK Scotland and the Scottish Executive.
The first aid action plans, which include information on what adults should do if a child in their care suffers an attack, are to be made available in GP surgeries, chemists, schools, nurseries and playgroups throughout Scotland.
Children under 12 with asthma can carry asthma attack first aid cards, which include their family and medical contact details, helping them to get the right treatment as quickly as possible.
Other initiatives include:
- training over 450 community nurses in specialist asthma care
- increased use of Personal Asthma Action Plans to give adults and children greater control over their asthma
- An educational CD Rom and web page to support healthcare professionals and people with asthma.
Nurses who have already completed the specialist training in asthma will receive an award from the Minister for Health and Community Care Andy Kerr to mark their achievement.
Health Minister Andy Kerr said: