Health Innovation Manchester (HInM) delivered the second phase of its paediatric asthma project in Tameside as part of NHS England’s Innovation for Healthcare Inequalities Programme (InHIP). Building on the success of an earlier pilot in Oldham, the project aimed to improve asthma diagnosis and management for children and young people (CYP) while helping to reduce smoking prevalence in households. 

The programme responded to high rates of paediatric asthma and asthma-related hospital admissions across Greater Manchester. Tameside was identified as a priority area, and partners worked together to increase access to innovative diagnostic technology, strengthen asthma pathways and improve support for children and families. 

The project utilised Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) testing, an innovative technology that measures airway inflammation and forms part of the NICE-recommended diagnostic pathway for asthma in children and young people.  

Children and young people were offered access to FeNO testing and follow-up support to help improve asthma management closer to home. The programme also helped identify those who may benefit from additional clinical support and specialist services where required. 

Recognising the impact smoking can have on asthma symptoms, the project worked with clinicians and families to address smoking within the home. Parents, carers and young people were offered stop-smoking advice and support and were connected with local and online services to help create healthier environments for children living with asthma. 

Alongside clinical interventions, the programme worked closely with local communities to better understand the challenges families face when managing asthma and accessing support, specifically for families of SEND children and young people. Community representatives helped shape educational materials and resources, while young people from the SEND Youth Council provided feedback to ensure information was accessible and relevant for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). 

The project formed part of NHS England’s Innovation for Healthcare Inequalities Programme (InHIP), which aims to address health inequalities experienced by deprived and underserved communities. Through innovative technology, partnership working and a focus on prevention, the programme has helped improve access to asthma care while providing valuable learning to inform future approaches to reducing respiratory health inequalities across Greater Manchester. 

Improving outcomes for children and young people with asthma requires collaboration across the entire health and care system. Through the Innovation for Healthcare Inequalities Programme (InHIP), partners from primary care, secondary care, commissioning, community services and programme delivery have worked together to reduce inequalities and transform the asthma pathway for local families. 

Listening to and learning from children and young people has been an important part of the Innovation for Healthcare Inequalities Programme (InHIP). Through our work with the SEND Youth Council, young people have shared their experiences, perspectives and ideas to help shape how asthma services are designed and delivered. Their contributions have provided valuable insight into the challenges faced by children and families, helping to ensure that improvements are informed by the people who use services most. The blog below explore this work and highlight the importance of involving young people in driving meaningful change.