Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the NHS asthma bundle, launched in September 2021, in informing the public about the health risks of air pollution; what discussions he has had with (a) chief executives of NHS England and (b) ministers of health in (i) Scotland, (ii) Wales and (iii) Northern Ireland on the successful implementation of that bundle.

No specific assessment has been made or discussions have taken place. However, NHS England and NHS Improvement have established a community of practice for children and young people with asthma, to gain feedback on the implementation of the standards outlined in the national bundle of care for children and young people with asthma.

The bundle sets out evidence-based interventions to help children, young people, families and carers, to control and reduce the risk of asthma attacks and sets out three key standards on air pollution. All healthcare professionals working with children and young people with expected or diagnosed asthma should understand the sources and dangers of air pollution and discuss risks and potential mitigation strategies with them. Children and young people, parents and carers should receive information on managing asthma with regards to air pollution. Integrated care systems should also ensure they are linked with schools where education on asthma should be provided.