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Variation in child asthma care Variation in child asthma care
(1 day later)
There is "worrying" variation in the number of children admitted to hospital for asthma attacks in different areas of England, a charity has warned.There is "worrying" variation in the number of children admitted to hospital for asthma attacks in different areas of England, a charity has warned.
Children in Liverpool are eight times more likely to have an emergency admission for asthma compared to those in Richmond and Twickenham, London.Children in Liverpool are eight times more likely to have an emergency admission for asthma compared to those in Richmond and Twickenham, London.
Asthma UK said the figures showed children were not receiving the same standard of care.Asthma UK said the figures showed children were not receiving the same standard of care.
The government said it takes good asthma care very seriously.The government said it takes good asthma care very seriously.
A report from the charity said a child was admitted to hospital because of asthma once every 16 minutes in the UK.A report from the charity said a child was admitted to hospital because of asthma once every 16 minutes in the UK.
Emergency hospital admissions for asthma for children and adults cost the NHS £61 million per year, yet 75% of admissions are avoidable through effective management of the condition, it said.Emergency hospital admissions for asthma for children and adults cost the NHS £61 million per year, yet 75% of admissions are avoidable through effective management of the condition, it said.
If asthma is not controlled effectively, the effects can be devastating and in some cases fatal Neil Churchill, chief executive Asthma UK SEE THE FULL REPORT class="" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/06_05_08_asthma_report.pdf">Wish you were here - UK report [1.26MB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader href="http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html">Download the reader here
Figures compiled by Asthma UK show in Liverpool child admissions for asthma are 192% higher than the England average.Figures compiled by Asthma UK show in Liverpool child admissions for asthma are 192% higher than the England average.
Other PCTs with high rates are Knowsley, Heart of Birmingham and Oldham.Other PCTs with high rates are Knowsley, Heart of Birmingham and Oldham.
The figures, which take into account what the expected rate for the PCT population should be, showed the 10 PCTs with the lowest admission rates were all in the South-East.The figures, which take into account what the expected rate for the PCT population should be, showed the 10 PCTs with the lowest admission rates were all in the South-East.
DeprivationDeprivation
Asthma UK said deprivation played a part in the disparities around the country.Asthma UK said deprivation played a part in the disparities around the country.
But some PCTs are bucking the trend.But some PCTs are bucking the trend.
HIGHEST ADMISSION RATES LiverpoolKnowsleyOldhamHeart of BirminghamSeftonEast LancashireManchesterGatesheadBuryHullHIGHEST ADMISSION RATES LiverpoolKnowsleyOldhamHeart of BirminghamSeftonEast LancashireManchesterGatesheadBuryHull
In Dudley PCT, an area with a large shortage of GPs, admissions are 34% below the national average.In Dudley PCT, an area with a large shortage of GPs, admissions are 34% below the national average.
The PCT has been working to reduce unnecessary admissions by introducing training for local healthcare professionals and recruiting a dedicated asthma nurse.The PCT has been working to reduce unnecessary admissions by introducing training for local healthcare professionals and recruiting a dedicated asthma nurse.
The figures also highlighted variations - although not as pronounced - between health boards within Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.The figures also highlighted variations - although not as pronounced - between health boards within Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Asthma UK called on the government to introduce national standards and said parents needed to make sure their child had an asthma review with the GP every six to 12 months.Asthma UK called on the government to introduce national standards and said parents needed to make sure their child had an asthma review with the GP every six to 12 months.
Neil Churchill, chief executive of Asthma UK, said the figures painted a "disturbing" picture of unequal access to asthma services.Neil Churchill, chief executive of Asthma UK, said the figures painted a "disturbing" picture of unequal access to asthma services.
LOWEST ADMISSION RATES Berkshire WestHillingdonWest EssexMilton KeynesEast and North HertfordshireOxfordshireSouth West EssexMid EssexSouth East EssexRichmond and TwickenhamLOWEST ADMISSION RATES Berkshire WestHillingdonWest EssexMilton KeynesEast and North HertfordshireOxfordshireSouth West EssexMid EssexSouth East EssexRichmond and Twickenham
"These divisions are unacceptable, particularly the staggering eight-fold difference in admissions in England."These divisions are unacceptable, particularly the staggering eight-fold difference in admissions in England.
"If asthma is not controlled effectively, the effects can be devastating and in some cases fatal.""If asthma is not controlled effectively, the effects can be devastating and in some cases fatal."
A Department Health spokeswoman said: "The government takes treating asthma very seriously.A Department Health spokeswoman said: "The government takes treating asthma very seriously.
"By 2010 we would expect everyone with a long-term condition, like asthma, to be offered their own care plan."By 2010 we would expect everyone with a long-term condition, like asthma, to be offered their own care plan.
"This will mean that they will be provided with information and self management advice to be tailored around their lifestyle."This will mean that they will be provided with information and self management advice to be tailored around their lifestyle.
"GPs are also given financial incentives to provide effective on-going management and treatment for asthma.""GPs are also given financial incentives to provide effective on-going management and treatment for asthma."