Young people with asthma in Suffolk/north east Essex, and their parents, carers or guardians, are being asked to feedback and share their ideas on local asthma care.

The survey from Healthwatch Suffolk and Healthwatch Essex is just the first stage of a project developed together with NHS leaders and leading consultants providing specialist asthma care. The results will help the NHS in Suffolk and north east Essex, and across the east region, to plan asthma care and support for children and young people in the future.

People can take part in a short survey to share their ideas about the support that currently works well, what could be improved about local services, and how children and young people could be better supported to manage the condition in the future.

Families, including young people, can also sign up for an optional informal interview about their experiences with Healthwatch Suffolk.

To take part in the online survey, simply click the link below.

If you need help to participate in the survey, please call freephone 0800 448 8234 to speak with the Healthwatch Suffolk team. They can support you to complete the survey over the telephone or provide alternative survey formats on request.

Claire, a parent of a child with Asthma in Suffolk, said:

“It’s great for parents to be involved in this research. I want to encourage as many other parents as possible to take part to ensure their voice is heard within child astha services. Good or bad, feedback from service users can help to make a difference.”

Andy Yacoub (CEO, Healthwatch Suffolk) and Sam Glover (CEO, Healthwatch Essex) said:

“Our survey with the NHS is an opportunity not to be missed by any young person with asthma, or their parents, carers or guardians. From seeing the GP, to understanding what it is like to access specialist support in an asthma crisis, we need as many people as possible to share feedback.

“The NHS wants to find out what more could be done to support children and young people to manage their asthma at home and avoid the risk of needing hospital care. This might include how families are supported to identify asthma risks or to manage the condition, and how current support available from local services could be improved.

“Whatever your experience, good or bad, please take a moment to share your feedback with us. People’s experiences of living with asthma in their families are such an important part of making sure the right care and support is in place across our local communities.”

Dr Raman Lakshman (Consultant Paediatrician at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, and clinical lead for children and young people’s asthma care across Suffolk and north east Essex) said:

“Healthwatch Suffolk and Healthwatch Essex are key partners in Suffolk and North East Essex ICS, we are excited to be working in collaboration with them to give children and young people with Asthma a voice on the care they and their families are provided with across our region.”

More information about the research can be found on www.healthwatchsuffolk.co.uk/cypasthma

Consultation Closes

31st August 2023

https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/2023/06/children-and-young-people-living-with-asthma-in-suffolk-and-north-east-essex/