YOUNG ASTHMA sufferers living in Tayside are more likely to be hospitalised with the condition than anywhere else in mainland Scotland.

A report by Asthma UK Scotland shows only NHS Shetland has a higher admission rate for the under-15s.

While the charity has stressed it is not suggesting the quality of treatment for asthma is any different in Tayside, it is calling for a new “consistent” strategy on treatment across Scotland.

It believes as many as 75% of hospital admissions for asthma are avoidable with good management of the condition and routine care, and wants to end the “unacceptable disparity” in treatment.

The report—Wish You Were Here?—revealed children in Tayside are more than 21/2 times more likely to be hospitalised for asthma than those in the Borders.

A spokesperson for Asthma UK Scotland said, “That is not saying anything about the levels of care in Tayside.

“What it is saying is it gives a very confusing message on how to deal with asthma.”

Shona Haslam, national director for Asthma UK Scotland, added, “Asthma is one of the commonest causes of preventable emergency hospital admissions, yet it remains a low priority for many health decision-makers.

“The Scottish Government has no plans to produce a national respiratory strategy to secure consistent, high-quality care for people of all ages with asthma.

“A national strategy would bring together examples of best practice from across Scotland and end the lottery of care that currently exists.”

A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said the authority is “working extremely hard” to ensure asthma patients have all the information and support they need.

She added, “Some asthma patients do need to be admitted to hospital from time to time to stabilise their conditions and, on these occasions, doctors and nurses work closely with them to ensure they leave hospital with as much education about their condition and as much follow-up support as they need.”