Stephen McPartland, Member of Parliament for Stevenage, is highlighting Asthma UK’s latest findings which have revealed that thousands of people with asthma could be at an increased risk of an asthma attack due to poor prescribing practice.
Stephen McPartland MP said, "Asthma UK's latest report shows that thousands of people with asthma have been prescribed medicines in a way without national clinical guidelines being followed, leaving them at risk of a potentially life-threatening asthma attack. Last year the National Review of Asthma Deaths highlighted prescribing errors in nearly half of asthma deaths in primary care, and that two-thirds of asthma deaths could be prevented with better routine care.
"There is a need to do more to improve standards of care for sufferers from asthma and other respiratory diseases, and that is why I am joining the call to end complacency in asthma care and stop unsafe prescribing."
Kay Boycott, Chief Executive of Asthma UK, adds, “Anyone with asthma who is concerned by these findings should try not to worry – they are not in any immediate danger. However, it is important that people with asthma really understand their medicines and take an active role in managing their medication. They should check if their inhaler includes Salmeterol, Formoterol or Tiotropium bromide as the only active ingredient and if so book an appointment with their GP or asthma nurse. Anyone who is using their reliever inhaler more than 3 times a week and hasn’t had a recent review should also contact their practice. If people are not sure if this applies to them, they should visit the Asthma UK website for more information or call the Asthma UK Helpline for advice and support on 0800 121 62 44.”
Stephen McPartland MP chaired the All Party Parliamentary Group on respiratory Health in the last Parliament and has agreed to do so again. He initiated a successful campaign to change the law to allow emergency inhalers to be kept in school first aid kits. This means children now have access to an emergency inhaler during an asthma attack in school.
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