Children in Lincolnshire are receiving earlier asthma diagnoses and better long-term support, thanks to a range of NHS initiatives across the county.
This work is being highlighted during the #AskAboutAsthma2025 campaign, which runs from 8 to 11 September. The campaign promotes simple, effective steps to help children and their families manage asthma. It also raises awareness ahead of the “September Spike”, when asthma attacks often increase after the summer holidays.
Community clinics helping with early diagnosis
Lincolnshire’s Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) are supporting earlier asthma diagnosis and better management for children and young people.
At Skegness CDC, partnership working between United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust and local GP services has led to new asthma clinics for patients aged 5 to 17. If a GP suspects a child may have asthma, they can now be referred for review at the CDC.
This successful service is expanding. Clinics have started at Lincoln CDC, and will launch at Grantham CDC in October.
Local families share their experiences
Oliver Read, aged 14 from Louth, has had asthma symptoms since he was a toddler. At Skegness CDC, he met with respiratory specialist nurse Emma Stones, discussed his medical history and completed a few simple tests. He was then diagnosed with asthma and given a new inhaler to manage his condition.
His mum Joanne said:
“Being able to come here and get the tests and expert advice all under one roof has been wonderful. It has been much easier to come here than a busy hospital and the free car parking is a bonus.
We will definitely look forward to coming back again.”
Oliver added:
“The appointment has been really good as I have not felt rushed and felt I could ask any questions.”
Harriet Brader, aged five from Wrangle near Boston, has shown asthma-like symptoms since she was a baby. She now has an inhaler and will return to Skegness CDC for further testing to confirm the cause of her symptoms.
Her mum Sally said:
“It has been amazing to come here today and get everything checked by Emma who has been really thorough and has really listened to all of my concerns and observations. She has given us lots of advice and information. This is something we have wanted for years and to be able to have it all under one roof has been fantastic.
The best news is that Harriet has had fun and is looking forward to coming back for some further tests.”
Harriet said:
“I am going to practice for the next tests as I really want another certificate to show my family and friends.”
Local services making a big difference
Claire Lloyd, Lincolnshire CDC Programme Lead, said the partnership approach is helping bring more services to local communities:
“Families using the CDC’s children and young people’s asthma pathway are supported by a specialist nurse, who can work with them to agree their care plan and give further advice in other areas, such as how to improve their inhaler technique.
Appointments being available in the community also helps to reduce the number of young people having to attend hospital as an emergency and frees up planned appointments in hospital for those with more complex care needs.”
Encouraging Asthma Friendly Schools
Vanessa Wort, Associate Chief Nurse at NHS Lincolnshire ICB, said:
“This work at the Skegness CDC shows our commitment to ensuring children and young people who have asthma are supported at every stage. We continue to encourage schools to attain Asthma Friendly Schools Accreditation, which encourages them to welcome children with asthma and put simple strategies in place to ensure they can fully participate in school life.
We are also working closely with Active Lincolnshire to promote children participating in physical activity and not letting their asthma prevent them from doing so.”
Children with asthma are more likely to take time out of school than their peers without asthma, particularly if they suffer from persistent or severe asthma symptoms. To support sports clubs etc, there is information on the Active Lincolnshire website including links to training. Active Lincolnshire have also built a new resource on Let’s Move Lincolnshire around supporting kids with asthma.
There is also some more general info on Getting Active with a Health Condition page.
Seven local schools now Asthma Friendly
The following Lincolnshire schools have received Asthma Friendly Schools Accreditation:
- Grimoldby Primary School
- Manor Farm Academy
- Park Academy
- St Peter at Gowts Primary School
- Staniland Academy
- Tower Road Academy
- Wrangle Primary Academy
Learn more
More information about Childhood asthma and the Asthma Friendly Schools accreditation can be found on the NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board website.