Media Release
Asthma In Scotland – Out of Sight and Out of Mind?
Asthma In Scotland – Out of Sight and Out of Mind?
10 March 2005
In a report launched today (Thursday 10 March) by Asthma UK Scotland, the frightening statistic that over 25% of people with asthma are not seen by an asthma specialist when admitted to hospital, illustrates that the health service is failing the 390,000 Scots with this life threatening condition.
‘Out of Sight, Out of Mind – Asthma in Scotland Today' is the first definitive account of asthma to be published in recent years showing how the condition affects the everyday lives of 390,000 men, women and children living in Scotland.
The report goes on to tell that asthma leads to over 6,000 hospital admissions and emergencies a year with just over 2,000 of those being children. In addition, alarmingly thousands of people are not even being given the opportunity to discuss in detail the impact asthma has on their lives with a health professional.
Marjory Burns, Executive Director of Asthma UK Scotland, explained: 'Asthma is a condition that can be controlled with modern treatments and specialist training, yet there is still an unacceptable level of hospital admissions for asthma emergencies throughout Scotland. This report also highlights the fact that 56% of people are kept awake at night by their asthma; 40% of people with asthma have had to use their inhaler more than 25 times in the past four weeks, and one in eight people said that their asthma had interfered with their work more than 25 times in the previous four weeks.
'As asthma symptoms differ from one person to another, it's imperative that those with asthma are involved right from the start in the decisions that affect their care and treatment. To that end, the Asthma Charter which we've launched should be an integral part of the daily lives for those wanting to get the best possible treatment and help to control their asthma.'
The 10 point Asthma Charter outlines standards of care that a person with asthma should expect. GPs and practice nurses should also follow the guidelines on the management of asthma to improve care, save lives and ultimately keep people out of hospital.
Marjory Burns went on to say: 'To improve the current situation, Asthma UK Scotland is working with health professionals and people with asthma to improve the self-management of the condition and to ensure that they receive the best possible care they need during an emergency visit to hospital. In addition, as asthma affects many people's ability to work on a regular basis as well as restricting job opportunities, we need to be working closely with employers to look at ways of preventing asthma in the workplace.'
Asthma UK Scotland is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people with asthma by helping them build partnerships with their doctor or nurse; by working with the Scottish Executive, and supporting healthcare professionals by providing them with information and resources.
ENDS
‘Out of Sight, Out of Mind – Asthma in Scotland Today' is the first definitive account of asthma to be published in recent years showing how the condition affects the everyday lives of 390,000 men, women and children living in Scotland.
The report goes on to tell that asthma leads to over 6,000 hospital admissions and emergencies a year with just over 2,000 of those being children. In addition, alarmingly thousands of people are not even being given the opportunity to discuss in detail the impact asthma has on their lives with a health professional.
Marjory Burns, Executive Director of Asthma UK Scotland, explained: 'Asthma is a condition that can be controlled with modern treatments and specialist training, yet there is still an unacceptable level of hospital admissions for asthma emergencies throughout Scotland. This report also highlights the fact that 56% of people are kept awake at night by their asthma; 40% of people with asthma have had to use their inhaler more than 25 times in the past four weeks, and one in eight people said that their asthma had interfered with their work more than 25 times in the previous four weeks.
'As asthma symptoms differ from one person to another, it's imperative that those with asthma are involved right from the start in the decisions that affect their care and treatment. To that end, the Asthma Charter which we've launched should be an integral part of the daily lives for those wanting to get the best possible treatment and help to control their asthma.'
The 10 point Asthma Charter outlines standards of care that a person with asthma should expect. GPs and practice nurses should also follow the guidelines on the management of asthma to improve care, save lives and ultimately keep people out of hospital.
Marjory Burns went on to say: 'To improve the current situation, Asthma UK Scotland is working with health professionals and people with asthma to improve the self-management of the condition and to ensure that they receive the best possible care they need during an emergency visit to hospital. In addition, as asthma affects many people's ability to work on a regular basis as well as restricting job opportunities, we need to be working closely with employers to look at ways of preventing asthma in the workplace.'
Asthma UK Scotland is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people with asthma by helping them build partnerships with their doctor or nurse; by working with the Scottish Executive, and supporting healthcare professionals by providing them with information and resources.
ENDS
Follow us on Twitter
Find us on Facebook