SURGE IN ASTHMA DEATHS
Care crisis as sufferers failed
ASTHMA deaths have soared as the under-staffed NHS struggles to help patients support their condition, a report has found.
There were 1,465 deaths in 2023, up 27% from 1,151 in 2010. The latest five-year average is 1,507.
Research shows around two thirds were preventable with a major risk factor being sufferers not getting a timely followup appointment after a hospital admission.
The 5.4 million Brits with the condition “are being failed”, the Asthma + Lung UK report claims.
Some 82% of patients are not getting an appointment with a GP or asthma nurse within the recommended 48 hours after an emergency admission – when they are most at risk of another serious attack.
And 40% of patients who went to hospital didn’t have a follow-up within 28 days.
It comes as Belinda and Ian Dowling from Portsmouth told how they lost their 10-year-old son Warren to asthma a year ago.
Belinda said: “They say your life can change in a moment and we didn’t know how true that was.” Sarah MacFadyen, head of policy at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “Four people are still dying needlessly from this condition every day. Asthma care is in crisis.” The charity says recommendations made in the 2014 UK National Review of Asthma Deaths had not been implemented. It added the Government must provide funding to ensure that NICE guidelines are followed and all sufferers get basic care. Dr Andy Whittamore, clinical lead at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “It shouldn’t get to the point where someone is rushed to hospital fighting for breath.” A Department of Health spokeswoman said: “Warren’s death is a tragedy and our sympathies are with his family and friends. We are working to improve services for people with asthma so they can live longer, healthier lives.”