We provide support to children and young people with identified respiratory conditions, in the community or in a clinic setting. We work with other services such as the School Health Service, health visitors and children’s community nurses, to support the children and manage their care at home or in school.

We also work closely with hospital paediatricians to identify children and young people who need support. We work in partnership to deliver that care and support.

We provide education to raise awareness on respiratory conditions and treatment to help make sure staff work together to meet the child’s needs. We help improve the child’s quality of life, as well as controlling the child’s condition in the best way. We work across east Kent in a variety of settings, including homes, schools, nurseries, colleges, clinics and hospitals.

Our referral criteria

We accept referrals from primary care, secondary care and other agencies within the community.

Referrals received via secondary care, for example paediatric departments and accident and emergency departments, need to be made by providing a copy of a recent discharge notification or casualty record. All other agencies need to refer patients using our referral form, please contact us so we can send you a referral form.

Patients who would benefit from referral to us include children:

• with an unconfirmed diagnosis of asthma
• with poor control of asthma
• with frequent exacerbations or hospitalisation
• who require support assessment or education with inhaled medication
• who need general advice and education on asthma management
• with low attendance at school due to asthma
• who need severe asthma management and treatment.

Environmental assessments can identify potential triggers in the home setting that may be causing symptoms and can help reduce exacerbations and minimise the amount of medication required. This list is not exhaustive and professionals are encouraged to contact us to for advice.