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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Asthma Management Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Asthma Management Policy is to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and appropriate care of all individuals within {{org_field_name}} who have asthma. This policy outlines the measures taken to prevent asthma attacks, manage symptoms effectively, and respond to emergencies in a timely and efficient manner. By implementing this policy, {{org_field_name}} commits to providing a safe, inclusive, and informed environment for service users and employees affected by asthma.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all service users, employees, and stakeholders within {{org_field_name}}. It covers prevention strategies, medication management, emergency response, environmental control, training, and education. Our objective is to create an asthma-friendly environment that reduces risks and ensures everyone receives appropriate support.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Ensuring a safe environment for employees and service users.
• The Equality Act 2010 – Protecting individuals with asthma from discrimination.
• The Care Act 2014 – Ensuring that individuals with asthma receive the care and support they need.
• The Medicines Act 1968 – Governing the safe handling and administration of asthma medications.
• The Children and Families Act 2014 – Ensuring that children with asthma have access to necessary support in education settings.

By adhering to these legal provisions, {{org_field_name}} guarantees that individuals with asthma receive equitable treatment, appropriate accommodations, and safe management of their condition in all aspects of care and employment.

4. Identifying and Managing Asthma

Upon enrolment or employment, all individuals will be encouraged to disclose any history of asthma. For service users diagnosed with asthma, a personalised Asthma Care Plan (ACP) will be created in collaboration with healthcare professionals, families, and carers. Employees with asthma will also have access to support mechanisms to ensure their condition is effectively managed while at work.

The ACP will outline:

• Specific triggers and early warning signs of an asthma attack.
• Prescribed medication, including dosage and frequency of use.
• Instructions on how and when to use reliever and preventer inhalers.
• Contact details for emergency services, healthcare providers, and next of kin.
• A structured response plan in case of an asthma exacerbation.

Staff will be trained to recognise the symptoms of an impending asthma attack and will be required to follow the ACP to ensure a swift and effective response.

5. Preventative Measures

To proactively minimise asthma-related risks, {{org_field_name}} will:

• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and eliminate asthma triggers such as dust, strong odours, pet hair, pollen, and smoke.
• Maintain high air quality through ventilation, regular cleaning, and the use of air purifiers where necessary.
• Implement no-smoking policies in all premises, ensuring both indoor and outdoor spaces are free from tobacco smoke and vapours.
• Educate service users and employees on the importance of recognising personal asthma triggers and strategies to manage exposure.
• Ensure that individuals with asthma are provided with safe spaces in case of exposure to a trigger, offering a quick and calm retreat where they can manage symptoms effectively.

These preventive measures are designed to create an asthma-friendly environment that enables individuals to participate in activities safely and comfortably.

6. Medication Management

Asthma medication plays a vital role in controlling symptoms and preventing severe attacks. {{org_field_name}} ensures that:

• Service users who require assistance with their medication are supported by trained staff members who can administer inhalers and nebulisers where required.
• A secure medication storage system is in place, ensuring that reliever inhalers and emergency medications are easily accessible yet protected from misuse.
• Staff responsible for handling medication receive specialised training on proper storage, administration, and record-keeping.
• A medication log is maintained for service users who require supervised administration, ensuring compliance with prescribed treatment.
• Spare inhalers and emergency asthma kits are available in key locations, such as reception areas, first aid stations, and staff offices.
• Parents, guardians, and carers are kept informed of any changes or concerns regarding asthma medication for children and vulnerable adults.

By maintaining strict control over medication management, {{org_field_name}} aims to reduce the risk of asthma-related complications and ensure that individuals have access to the medication they need when they need it.

7. Emergency Response Protocol

In the event of an asthma attack, the following emergency response steps will be followed:

1. Stay calm and provide reassurance to the affected individual to help them remain composed.
2. Encourage slow, steady breathing and assist them in using their reliever inhaler immediately.
3. Remove or distance them from known triggers, such as allergens, dust, or fumes, where possible.
4. Monitor symptoms closely and assess if the individual is responding to their medication.
5. Call emergency services (999 or 112) immediately if:
   • The individual’s condition does not improve within five minutes of using the inhaler.
   • They exhibit severe symptoms such as difficulty speaking, turning blue, or excessive fatigue.
   • They experience rapid worsening of symptoms or loss of consciousness.
6. Continue monitoring the individual until medical professionals arrive, offering reassurance and additional puffs from the inhaler every few minutes as necessary.

Following an asthma-related emergency, a detailed incident report will be completed, and a review of the individual’s care plan will take place to identify any necessary adjustments.

8. Staff Training and Education

To ensure effective asthma management, all staff will undergo mandatory asthma training covering:

• Recognising symptoms of an asthma attack and early intervention strategies.
• Correct use of inhalers and other prescribed asthma medications.
• Emergency response procedures, including first aid and when to escalate care.
• Creating asthma-friendly environments by minimising exposure to triggers.
• Providing emotional and psychological support to individuals managing asthma.

Training will be delivered through workshops, e-learning modules, and practical demonstrations, ensuring that all employees are equipped to respond effectively to asthma-related situations.

9. Environmental Control and Risk Assessment

Regular risk assessments will be carried out to ensure our premises remain asthma-friendly. Key measures include:

• Ensure proper ventilation in all areas, as much as possible.
• Using allergen-free and hypoallergenic cleaning products to reduce irritants.
• Enforcing strict policies against smoking and strong fragrances within the premises.
• Educating service users and staff about environmental triggers and how to minimise exposure.
• Ensuring emergency asthma stations are stocked with the necessary medication and information sheets on asthma management.

By implementing these control measures, we aim to create a safe and comfortable environment for individuals living with asthma.

10. Supporting Service Users and Employees with Asthma

{{org_field_name}} is committed to ensuring that individuals with asthma can live and work without unnecessary barriers. Support includes:

• Flexible work or living arrangements to accommodate those with severe asthma.
• Providing adequate breaks to those who may need time to use their inhalers or rest after an attack.
• Ensuring an open-door policy for discussing asthma-related concerns.
• Regular reviews of individual asthma management plans to ensure that the best possible care is provided.

11. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant and compliant with current medical guidance and legal regulations. Feedback from service users, employees, and healthcare professionals will be incorporated to improve asthma management practices.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.