Why it matters: The UK has the highest child asthma death rate in Europe, making early intervention and awareness crucial to preventing emergency hospital visits.
The big picture: This year's #AskAboutAsthma campaign runs from Monday, 8 September to Friday, 12 September, taking place the week before the September surge to raise awareness. The Children and Young People's Asthma Outreach Team supports children at risk of asthma attacks as part of broader efforts to improve asthma care in the most deprived areas of Suffolk and North-East Essex.
What they're saying: Becky Baldry, children's asthma outreach nurse specialist, said: "The UK has the highest death rate for children from asthma in Europe, so it is vital that we do all we can to reduce this in our local areas. We work closely with local schools, healthcare providers, and families to identify children who need additional asthma support.
"A significant part of our work involves educating children and their families on effective asthma management, including proper inhaler use and the development of personalised asthma action plans."
The details: The outreach nurses work with schools, providing teacher training on the signs of asthma and how to help children manage it. They also spend time in children's outpatient departments at Colchester and Ipswich hospitals, offering advice and support to families.
Lynn Stimson, deputy director of the NHS North East Essex Health and Wellbeing Alliance, said: "I am delighted that we have the Children's Asthma Outreach Nurses working in some of the most deprived areas of north east Essex and Ipswich. One of our priorities is tackling the high levels of childhood asthma, and the work that Becky and Liz are doing is playing a big part to help us do that."
For context: Now in its ninth year, the campaign's 2025 theme is: "One year on from the National Child Mortality Database report: Are we getting better at preventing asthma deaths?" Asthma remains a common and potentially serious condition among young people.
What's next: Families can access specialist support today with the Asthma Outreach Nurse Specialists available in children's outpatients at Ipswich Hospital on Tuesday, 9 September. They will also be at Colchester Hospital on Thursday, 11 September.
The bottom line: Becky Baldry said, "Our aim is to improve health outcomes for children in Ipswich and north east Essex, reducing hospital admissions and promoting a better quality of life for young asthma sufferers and their families."
