YP Comment: How the NHS can help itself

Prevention is better than cure, as this timeless adage suggests, and regular check-ups mean that the health of sufferers can be monitored before it deteriorates and they require hospital treatment as in-patients.

This is borne out by Asthma UK research which suggests that recommended care is provided to just 28.1 per cent of victims in this region, the second lowest figure in the whole of Britain.

With 5.4 million people in the country suffering from breathing and bronchial difficulties that require the use of inhalers and so on, it’s in the best interests of the NHS to make sure the necessary care is available and that the wellbeing of those concerned is reviewed annually as a matter of course.

However, while Asthma UK points to the potentially transformative benefits of digital technology, it is equally important that patients follow the correct medical advice and make sure they receive the treatment to which they’re entitled.

If they don’t keep in touch with the NHS, and let them know any change of address for example, they can’t expect doctors to send them reminders about annual appointments. As such, this is one area of health policy where the NHS can, and should, do more to help patients and vice-versa.