A LEADING asthma campaigner today called for the introduction of proper guidelines to relieve the plight of schoolchildren.

Ann Wainwright said many schools in East Lancashire were either ignoring or were unaware of education department recommendations into how to treat asthmatics.

She said it was vital that statutory Government guidelines were introduced to make it compulsory that school nurses and teachers were trained in coping with pupils with the chronic condition.

Ann, co-ordinator of the local National Asthma Campaign branch, said: "The education department at Lancashire County Council has published an asthma policy for schools. "But many schools don't realise that it exists. There needs to be a concerted effort so schools realise that there is such a policy.

"There is nothing to force schools to stick to the policy. Each school approaches asthma in its own individual way.

"I think there should be statutory guidelines which every school has to follow."

Ann said the branch was organising a series of asthma workshops for teachers. She added that five school nurses were also due to take asthma diplomas during 1997.

A conference, Conquering Asthma at School, took place earlier this week in a bid to share best practice from across British schools to encourage development of asthma policies.

It heard that campaigners would like to see asthma policies included in school OFSTED inspections.

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