Children with asthma in Enfield’s schools are to receive help and support to manage their condition.
The Royal Free London NHS Trust has been commissioned by Enfield Council to rollout an Enfield Asthma Friendly Schools (AFS) Initiative in both primary and secondary schools from September.
The service will be part of the School Nursing Service, which is Council commissioned and delivered by Royal Free London NHS Trust.
The announcement coincides with the national NHS Ask About Asthma campaign that runs from 8th to 11th September (#AskAboutAsthma).
Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care at Enfield Council, Cllr Alev Cazimoglu, said: “I very much welcome the Council’s new partnership with the Royal Free London NHS Trust, to help and support young people in our schools with asthma.
“The health and wellbeing of Enfield’s children is a priority and I am proud this initiative is being launched across our schools.
“I would advise all parents who have children that have asthma to download and complete an asthma action plan with their GP or nurse, and to ensure their child knows how to use their inhalers correctly. It is also important to schedule an asthma review for your child annually and after every asthma attack.”
The campaign highlights week 38 in the calendar, known as the ‘September Spike’, when asthma attacks increase after school resumes after the summer holidays.
AFS is a project that helps schools to provide a safe and friendly environment for children and young people with asthma and supports families to ensure asthma is controlled.
AFS aims to gain a better understanding of children and young people’s asthma and care involved and to minimise the impact a child’s asthma has on their day-to-day life.
The initiative will involve joint working with schools, health services and children, young people and families, to reduce the number of missed school days due to asthma, and unscheduled medical appointments relating to the respiratory condition.