Restoring care for people with asthma
This past year has demonstrated more than ever the importance of our NHS. At some point in our lifetime, we will all need to use the NHS to help keep us living healthier lives for longer. The NHS is always here for us whenever we need it.
This changed dramatically in March when the NHS suspended many of its services. Most of those resources were diverted towards responding to the COVID-19 outbreak, to prevent our healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed.
However, we know this had an enormous impact on the 5.4 million people in the UK who are currently receiving treatment for asthma. This included people with severe asthma, who were identified as needing to shield during the height of the pandemic.
What’s the problem?
A survey we did with the British Lung Foundation found that over a third of people with lung disease had their care delayed or cancelled during lockdown. This could be a cancelled annual asthma review, a delayed appointment to see a specialist, or not being referred for an essential test. Also, a quarter of people experienced worse symptoms as a result of care being delayed or because they avoided seeking treatment – due to worries about putting pressure on the NHS and fears around the spread of COVID-19.
As we all recover from the first wave of COVID-19, the NHS must also be prepared for the winter pressures that are driven by a spike in asthma admissions to hospital. Therefore, it’s essential the NHS remains open for people with asthma so they can access the care and support they need.
In the face of limited resource, the NHS must be able to identify people most in need of care. This includes people at higher risk of having an asthma attack, or those with severe asthma who have been shielding. The NHS needs to make sure that everyone with asthma is equipped to stay well through the winter.
Our latest report
Our latest report, Recovery and Reset for Respiratory: Restoring and Improving Basic Care for Patients with Lung Disease , outlines how the NHS can meet the needs of people with asthma, now and as we recover from COVID-19.
People with asthma need to be confident the NHS remains ‘open for business’ and reassured that health services are safe to use.
Everyone who is having an asthma review should have the choice in how that is carried out, either over phone, video or face to face.
The NHS should prioritise those most in need of care. This includes people at higher risk of having an asthma attack, or those with severe asthma who have been shielding.
The NHS must continue delivering care around the way people live and support people with asthma to manage their condition at home.
Next steps
If you are experiencing new or worsening symptoms, it’s important that you still seek medical assistance to help manage your asthma.
We will be engaging with the NHS, government and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to make sure that they put people with asthma at the heart of any plans to restore healthcare services post-COVID.
Imagine a world with no asthma helpline, no research and where asthma has no voice.
As a charity, Asthma UK provides free health advice to millions, we fight for the rights of people with asthma in the corridors of power and we fund ground-breaking research.
COVID-19 has devastated our ability to raise vital funds, so if you've benefited from our free health advice, think asthma needs a voice or believe in asthma research, we need your support now more than ever.
To show how much you care about people with asthma, if you can please make a small donation today. Your support now will be an investment for improving the future for everyone with asthma in the UK.
