Asthma diagnosis can be particularly challenging in children, and early, accurate diagnosis is critical to effective management and care.
To support families through this journey, the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) Children and Young People’s Asthma Team, in collaboration with Steppingstone Medical Practice in Dudley, has been working to enhance asthma diagnosis in young patients.
Following two clinical assessment sessions held at the surgery - where children underwent reviews and, where appropriate, objective testing - a family engagement event was organised at Dudley Central Family Hub in March.
The session aimed to provide families with not only expert-led education around asthma but also introduce them to wider community support services. Held in a relaxed, child-friendly environment, the event welcomed families of children undergoing asthma diagnosis as well as partners from Dudley Council, the NHS Black Country ICB and George Coller Memorial Fund.
A special moment of the day was a visit from George-O-Saurus, the friendly mascot from the George Coller Memorial Fund, who stopped by to greet the children and offer a quick check on inhaler technique – a key part of managing asthma effectively.
Joanne Hamilton, CYP Asthma Principal Practitioner for the NHS Black Country ICB, said “Asthma diagnosis can be a stressful time for patients and families therefore communication and education is so important.
“To support with this, a family engagement session was held at Dudley Central Family Hub. Using the community venue gave a great opportunity for families to find out what other services could be offered to support families.
“By working closely with our local partners and listening to families' experiences, we can continue to improve outcomes for children living with asthma.”
Dudley Central Family Hub is one of five across Dudley, offering a wide range of universal and preventative services, including stay and play sessions, Brilliant Babies, sensory spaces, and more.
Teresa McNally, Family Hubs Integrated Service Manager at Dudley Council, said: “Dudley Central Family Hub were thrilled to work in partnership with health colleagues to host a children’s education asthma event, demonstrating the shared commitment to improve outcomes for children across the Family Hub Network.
“The event was a huge success with families being introduced to the hub offer, supported by health practitioners. Families got the opportunity to meet hub staff and find out more about local services.”
