Simon Selo, Assistant Director, Policy and Service Development at Asthma UK says: '65% of people with asthma we've spoken to said they would find a general discussion about asthma medicines with a pharmacist helpful and we know that a number of well informed people with asthma have very good relationships with their pharmacist. They feel they can sometimes have longer discussions with them about their ongoing care, lifestyle and well-being, than with a GP or practice nurse who they may only see when they are ill.

'We are also aware that historically the community pharmacist has not always been seen as a key member of the healthcare team, so many people with asthma are not aware of the range of services they can provide, for example medicines use reviews and advice on how to use your inhaler. They are also often available when GPs/practice nurses are not.

'We would like to encourage more people with asthma to benefit from the services and knowledge pharmacists can offer. However it is essential that both pharmacists and GPs work together as part of the same healthcare team for the benefit of the patient so that people with asthma can easily access the services that are best for them.'

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