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Embargo: 00.01 Wednesday 21 September 2016
Asthma must no longer be overlooked – RCN and ARNS
The Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists (ARNS) and Royal College of Nursing (RCN) have
today responded to the publication of new guidelines on diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of
asthma from the British Thoracic Society and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network.
The guidelines emphasise that while there is no one simple test for asthma, a structured assessment
can identify those at risk of attacks and mean they can be carefully monitored and the right
treatment found.
Amanda Cheesley, Professional Lead for Long Term Conditions and End of Life Care at the RCN said:
“Asthma is a common condition, but it is very far from harmless. Because more than 5 million people
in the UK are affected by it, it is easy to forget that it can be deadly. More than 1400 people died
from asthma in 2015, the highest number for more than a decade.
“It is absolutely vital that everyone with asthma is identified and the right treatment found, for
them. These guidelines recognise that one size does not fit all, and good testing, advice and drug
treatments must be available to everyone, even if they consider their condition mild.
“With the number of deaths rising, and concerns about the effects of air pollution, asthma must no
longer be overlooked and the doctors and nurses who treat it must have all the time and tools to
treat it with the seriousness it deserves.
“Nurses in particular can have a vital role in helping people to manage their condition, keep well and
avoid hospital admissions. It is imperative that we have enough nurses with the right training to
ensure that these guidelines are reflected in the experience of patients.”
Matt Hodson, Chair of the Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists, said:
“ARNS welcomes the publication of up to date evidenced based guidelines produced by the BTS and
SIGN. We hope that this publication will again put a much needed focus on Asthma Care. Asthma
still remains a serious life threatening condition with more than 5 million people affected in the UK.
“I encourage nurses and other healthcare professionals to familiarise themselves with this guidance
and seek additional support or further education on Asthma to enable them to give every patient
the very best care.”
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Notes to Editors
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For further information, please contact the RCN Media Office on 020 7647 3633,
[email protected] or visit https://www.rcn.org.uk/contact/press-office
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest
professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and
patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK
Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and
voluntary organisations.
The RCN is celebrating its centenary year in 2016, with a programme of projects and events
highlighting the history of the organisation and the past 100 years in nursing. To find out more please
visit www.rcn.org.uk/RCN100