PEOPLE in a borough are among the most likely to be hospitalised for their asthma compared to anywhere else in the country, new research has revealed.

Some 305 people in Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) area were hospitalised for asthma in 2017.

The CCG had the seventh-worst hospital admissions rate in the country, according to Asthma UK’s report On The Edge: How Inequality Affects People With Asthma.

Charity bosses said social inequalities could be to blame as it is the 18th most deprived area in England.

Social inequalities mean that people in the poorest areas in England are more likely to be exposed to worse air pollution and higher smoking rates.

They could also have challenges accessing care, a lower awareness of asthma management, and have poor housing conditions.

Dr Samantha Walker, director of research and policy at Asthma UK, described the figures as ‘truly shocking’.

She said: “People in some areas are not only struggling to make ends meet but if they have asthma they are more likely to end up in hospital or die from an asthma attack.

“NHS commissioners at the Blackburn with Darwen CCG need to tackle health inequalities by ensuring there are enough resources so doctors and nurses can provide basic asthma care," Dr Walker added.

“City mayors and local councils also need to take steps to reduce air pollution, ensure good-quality housing and fund stop-smoking services.

“This should also be a priority for central government and NHS England.

“Asthma UK is calling for NHS England to ensure that their upcoming NHS Long Term Plan commits to investment in data driven technologies to help people with asthma manage their symptoms and improve access to treatment.”

Asthma UK said the best way for people with asthma to stay well is to take their medicines regularly as prescribed, especially their preventer inhaler (commonly brown in colour) and make sure they have a written action plan.

Dr Stuart Berry, GP and respiratory lead for Pennine Lancashire, said: “We have significantly high levels of social and economic deprivation in East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen CCG areas. This has contributed significantly to a general level of poor health and wellbeing. High rates of smoking and air pollution, at work or at home, have contributed to us having high levels of asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a related lung condition."

To reduce asthma-related hospital admissions, he said both Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire CCGs have set up an Asthma Friendly School programme to enable schools to better support and educate children with asthma.

He said the CCGs have supported patient self-management support groups across Pennine Lancashire for people living with a lung condition such as asthma or COPD.

All groups have a social element which enables patients to discuss their condition and supports self-management.