New asthma statistics highlight the need to up our game

We need to improve access to asthma care across Wales.

prove access to asthma care services across Wales.

A new report from Asthma UK has shown that just 39% of people with asthma in Wales have access to basic asthma care. Whilst this is an increase of 14% from 2017, an increase of 7% in each year since, Wales is still the second lowest in terms of care provision in the UK.

The report also showed that those from low income households were twice as likely to suffered heightened asthma symptoms and are more vulnerable to asthma attacks than those from more affluent backgrounds.

In response, the Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling for a renewed focus on lung health and for greater investment to boost the availability of care services to support those with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Jane Dodds, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said:

“With 1 in 10 people having asthma, and just 39% having access to care for it, it is clear we need to up our game.

"We need to update the Respiratory Health Delivery Plan, which has been instrumental in helping deliver the two years of sustained increase in care provision we have seen.

"We also need to target more resources at addressing long standing health inequalities. It is frankly unacceptable that how much money you earn and where you live has a direct impact on the severity of your asthma.

"All political parties must play their part in ensuring people can get the asthma care they need. I hope on today of all days we can recognise that and commit to

Comments

A recall petition has opened to decide if a Tory MP convicted for a false expenses claim will keep his seat.

Chris Davies tried to split the cost of photographs between two office budgets by faking invoices , when he could have claimed the amount by other means. Brecon and Radnorshire voters wanting to sign the petition will be able to do so until Thursday 20 June in six locations in the constituency. A by-election will be held if 10% of the electorate - 5,303 voters - sign. Mr Davies would be able to contest a by-election, if one takes place. House of Commons Speaker John Bercow confirmed the recall petition last month , after Mr Davies was given a community order of 50 hours unpaid work and a £1,500 fine, at Southwark Crown Court. In a statement, Mr Davies has apologised to his constituents for "making such an error", saying he very much hopes to continue serving Brecon and Radnorshire. Constituents can sign the petition at venues in Llandrindod Wells, Brecon, Presteigne, Ysytradgynlais, Hay-on-Wye and Crickhowell. Apart from Spring Bank ...

Lib Dems Propose New Bill to Protect Welsh Farmers

The Liberal Democrats have proposed new legislation to protect Welsh farmers from being undercut by food trade deals that do not meet the UK’s environment and animal welfare standards. The plans, set out in a private member’s bill from Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Rural Affairs Tim Farron MP, would require the government’s Trade and Agriculture Commission to assess the impact of any new trade deal on UK farmers, and guarantee that MPs had the final say on trade deals initiated by the government. This would include an assessment of the impact of new trade deals on farming communities in each region and nation of the UK. Farron’s Bill comes after concern was raised by farmers unions and the Welsh Liberal Democrats that the Government’s new trade deal with Australia will not include a Welsh-specific impact assessment. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS and Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs Spokesperson Tim Farron MP Commenting on his...

Significant Gaps Remain in Welsh Government Building Safety Announcement

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have welcomed progress announced today in the Welsh Government’s building safety announcement but have warned significant gaps remain. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS and Cardiff Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Rhys Taylor addressing building saftey campaigners. The announcement given by Environment Minister Julie James MS confirmed that 9 property developers have now signed up to the Welsh Government’s “Developers Pact” agreeing in theory their responsibility to remediate buildings they constructed with safety defects. The announcement follows a lengthy campaign by leaseholders in the five years since the Grenfell Tower Disaster. However, three major developers are still yet to reply. The Welsh Liberal Democrats have stated that due to the Welsh Government’s failure to work with the UK Government on the Building Safety Act, they are left with little to no options to deal with the property de...

Welsh Liberal blogs

Search This Blog