Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Royal College of Physicians The National Review of Asthma Deaths, published on 6 May 2014; and what plans they have to implement that report's recommendations.

The Department collaborated with the Royal College of Physicians on the National Review of Asthma Deaths and welcomed this report. Since its publication, significant improvements have been made in asthma care.

Respiratory disease, including asthma, is a clinical priority within the NHS Long Term Plan, which aims to improve outcomes for patients through earlier diagnosis and increased access to treatments. The Respiratory Delivery Board will take forward respiratory proposals set out in the Plan by working with key partners.

The National Health Service is supporting the national asthma audit programme which provides data on a range of indicators to show improvements and opportunities in asthma outcomes. 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.

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.

As set out in the Long Term Plan, pharmacies in primary care networks will undertake medicine reviews for asthma patients. This will include education on inhaler use and uptake of dry powder and smart inhalers where clinically appropriate.