Nanette Milne, Scottish Conservative MSP for the North East and Shadow Minister for Public Health has welcomed the publication of The Forgotten Generation a report commissioned by Asthma UK Scotland on the impact of asthma on older people.
Nanette Milne MSP is the Convenor of the Scottish Parliaments Cross Party Group on Asthma.
Nanette Milne, Scottish Conservative MSP for the North East and Shadow Minister for Public Health said:
“There are 368,000 people currently diagnosed with asthma in Scotland, 54,000 of whom are over 65.
“The report commissioned by Asthma UK Scotland suggests that many of this age group are not receiving the care and support that they are entitled to, despite the fact that they are believed to be the most at risk of dying from the condition.
“A far higher proportion of people with asthma develop the condition in adulthood than is commonly believed and that healthcare professionals can find it more difficult to diagnose in later life.
“I will be raising the issues outlined in the report with Scottish Ministers and pressing the Scottish Government to take action to make sure that older people with asthma are actively involved as full partners in planning their own care and in influencing the future design of asthma services for Scotland.
“Asthma and ageing must not remain private matters for individuals but become public health concern.
“Therefore, a fresh approach is required for services for older people with asthma, the aim being to achieve optimum control over symptoms and ensure that they are confident and equipped to manage their asthma at home and in the community.