Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking in response to the death of Ella Kissi-Debrah to (a) improve asthma care and (b) monitor and reduce the effect of air pollution on asthma outcomes.

The National Health Service is working closely with voluntary sector partners to improve patient outcomes for those with severe asthma and an NHS Cardiovascular Disease-Respiratory national programme has been developed in line with recommendations from the Taskforce for Lung Health.

Both respiratory disease and the health of children and young people are priority areas in the NHS Long Term Plan, which aims to improve respiratory care through earlier diagnosis and increased access to treatments. The Respiratory Delivery Board will take forward respiratory proposals set out in the Plan, while the Children’s Transformation Board will oversee work to review national asthma policy and existing clinical guidelines.

The current quality outcomes framework indicators for asthma are in consultation and changes for the annual review indicators may include data on asthma control; exacerbations; and written personalised action plans. NHS RightCare will be publishing an asthma toolkit later this year to support local commissioners and systems in delivering quality care. A best practice tariff for asthma, which aims to reduce variation in asthma care, is also in development.