Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Access to Salbutamol Inhalers

29 November 2021 · 4 other contributors · 6,502 words

Opened by Nicholas Fletcher

Responding minister: Gillian Keegan

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Nicholas Fletcher raised concerns about access to salbutamol inhalers in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the death of Lauren Reid due to an asthma attack in a commercial kitchen without access to her inhaler.
  • UK has one of the highest asthma rates, costing 3 billion annually and leading to nearly 50% higher death rates than the European average.
  • Asked the Government to commission research on the benefits and risks of requiring salbutamol inhalers to be stored in professional kitchens.

Key requests to Government

I am asking the Government to commission research on the benefits and risks of requiring salbutamol inhalers to be stored in professional kitchens. This research could then be reviewed by the MHRA which would make its own recommendation on whether to change the law.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Nicholas Fletcher

I am concerned about the death of Lauren Reid due to an asthma attack in a commercial kitchen where she did not have access to her inhaler. UK has one of the highest rates of asthma, costing £3 billion annually and resulting in nearly 50% higher death rates than the European average. In Scotland, one in 14 people receive treatment for asthma, while in England it is one in 11. Working in commercial kitchens poses a significant risk for individuals with severe asthma due to triggers such as dust, flour, heat, humidity and stress.

Other contributors (4)
  • Alex Norris Lab Co-op Nottingham North and Kimberley

    Paid tribute to Lauren Reid, a young chef who tragically passed away due to asthma. Highlighted the seriousness of the case by mentioning that over 100,000 signatures were collected for the petition. Emphasised the importance of addressing asthma in commercial kitchens and schools. Cited statistics on asthma patients needing emergency care (57%) and hospital admissions due to asthma-related concerns (41,000 last year). Raised concern about a 20% cut to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency's staff despite increased responsibilities.

  • Anum Qaisar Lab Airdrie and Shotts

    Expressed sadness over Lauren Reid's death, highlighted the need for emergency asthma kits in commercial kitchens due to workplace risks. Emphasized that inhalers can be stored without prescription under Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2014. Mentioned Asthma UK estimates of four out of five people with severe asthma missing life-changing treatment and NHS costs of £3 billion annually for asthma patients. Welcomed Unichef's support for proposed changes, urged the Government to engage with stakeholders.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon, as the DUP's health spokesperson and chair of the all-party parliamentary group on respiratory health, expressed personal concern over access to salbutamol inhalers due to his son's asthma. He supported the initiative for emergency inhaler use in schools but stressed the need for safeguards. Statistics showed a 60% increase in inhaler prescriptions in 2020 and a rise of 63% in March 2020 compared to February, leading to supply issues. Shannon asked the Minister to reassure constituents about future access and ensure safety measures are maintained.

  • Margaret Ferrier SNP Rottenrow East

    Margaret Ferrier expressed concern over the lack of salbutamol inhalers in commercial kitchens, citing an incident where Lauren Reid, aged 19, died due to a severe asthma attack at work. Ferrier noted that more than 8 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with asthma, and highlighted that occupational asthma is prevalent in various workplaces such as kitchens, hair salons, agriculture, mechanics, and healthcare facilities. She advocated for a review of regulations to allow non-prescription inhalers in high-risk environments.

Government Response

Gillian Keegan

Acknowledged the tragic death of Lauren Reid and thanked MPs for bringing forward the debate. Emphasised that salbutamol inhalers are regulated under prescription-only medicines due to safety concerns, requiring a thorough review by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM). Mentioned ongoing discussions with MHRA regarding evidence needed for such changes. Discussed existing measures like school-procured inhalers and initiatives to improve asthma care through NHS long-term plans, including early diagnosis, patient education on correct inhaler use, and asthma discharge care bundles. Highlighted the absence of supply chain shortages in salbutamol inhalers.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy