Children and Young People

In North Central London improving the lives of children, young people and their families who have asthma is a key priority. It is estimated that in every classroom of children there will be three who will have asthma; this can lead to children missing school due to ill health, end up in hospital emergency departments and sometimes sadly die. This can be avoided if children and young people have good asthma care which includes having an asthma review after every attack and at least once a year, knowing how to use an inhaler correctly, having a written asthma action plan and knowing about the potential impact of air pollution on a person’s asthma.

North London Partners are working together with a range of stakeholders including; children, young people and their families, schools, hospitals, GPs, community health services, public health, pharmacies, housing, air quality teams and many more to develop a plan and way of working to address this problem.

Three simple measures if used consistently for all children and young people with asthma, would have a massive impact on the quality of life for these children and young people.

• The use of a written asthma action plan drawn up between a clinician and asthma sufferer means people are four times less likely to have to go to the hospital for their asthma.
• Ensuring every child or young person (and their families/carers) understands how to use their inhaler effectively. Less than three-quarters of children and young people have any form of instruction in how to use their inhalers meaning they may not be getting the full benefit of their asthma medication
• An asthma review every year and after every attack will ensure those with asthma recognise their triggers and are able to manage their condition effectively.

Find out about vaccinations for babies and children in North Central London.

The NHS is seeing an increase in respiratory illness in children, as COVID restrictions ease and people mix more.

For the majority of children, respiratory illnesses (coughs and colds) are not serious and they will soon recover following rest and plenty of fluids.

But some children under two, especially those born prematurely or with a heart condition, can experience more severe illness.

Parents and carers are encouraged to look out for symptoms of a severe infection and to contact a healthcare professional when concerned.

Local GP, Dr Oliver Anglin said: “Respiratory infections in children are very common and most of the time your child can be looked after safely at home, without seeing a doctor.

“Symptoms of severe respiratory infection in children include a dry and persistent cough and finding it hard to breathe – which could be rapid or noisy breathing (wheezing) or drawing in of the muscles below their lower ribs, at their neck, or between their ribs.

“You should contact your GP or call NHS 111 if your child has problems breathing, has taken less than half their usual amount during the last two or three feeds, has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more, or has a persistent high temperature of 38C or above.

“I recommend you have a look at this great, simple NHS health advice for parents and carers booklet which will help you work out whether your child can be looked after at home with some help from the pharmacist or if they need to be seen by a doctor.”

To download the booklet, available in English and community languages, see downloads section.

• Easy Read: advice for parents and carers during coronavirus October 2021
• Easy Read: Bronchiolitis in babies and young children advice for parents and carers October 2021
• Health advice for parents and carers
• Bengali
• Farsi
• Greek
• Gujaratic
• Polish
• Somali
• Turkish

Paediatric emergency services

North Central London Integrated Care Board (NCL ICB) works with our statutory partners to promote the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable adults and children who may be at risk of being abused, neglected or exploited, and to safeguard them from harm.

For more information on what to do if you are worried a child, young person go to Safeguarding children  and young people- North Central London ICB