MP PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR ASTHMA CAMPAIGN

MONMOUTH MP David Davies has pledged his support to a campaign to improve asthma care for children in schools in Monmouthshire and across the UK.

The nationwide initiative is being run by Asthma UK and was officially launched on World Asthma Day on 5^th May at a special reception in the House of Commons.

During the reception, Asthma UK also unveiled its Missing Out report which calls on the Government to introduce clear guidelines for schools on their responsibilities for supporting children and young people with asthma.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Davies said: "I know from personal experience that asthma is the most common long term condition affecting children in the UK. On average there are two children with asthma in every classroom

"The Missing Out report is based on conversations with children across the UK and I welcome its publication. Almost three quarters of the children Asthma UK spoke to said they had problems joining in PE lessons while 50 per cent said their asthma prevented them from going on school trips. To be fair, the schools I have dealt with in Monmouthshire over this issue have been very understanding.

"There is a natural concern that parents do worry teachers might not understand the condition, meaning they would be unable to help if a child in their classroom were to have an asthma attack. It is therefore vital that appropriate guidance is given to schools so that teachers are equipped with the knowledge and resources to protect and support the children with asthma in their care"

For further information, log onto www.asthma.org.uk