A new alert system for doctors and healthcare staff has been announced by City Hall for high pollution in London. The system, the first of its kind in the UK, will alert clinicians in GP practices and A&E departments on the day before and during bad episodes of air pollution to better support patients and carers affected by air pollution.
The London Air Quality and Health Programme Office developed the alert system in conjunction with the Mayor of London, following an inquest into the death of Londoner Ella Adoo Kissi Debra, 9, whose death in 2013 was the first in the world to have air pollution listed as a cause.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Filthy air can have devastating effects on our health. By launching the UK’s first targeted healthcare air quality alert, we’re empowering London’s frontline clinicians to stay informed and better support their patients.”
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The World Health Organisation declared air pollution, which increases the risk of lung infections, heart disease and lung cancer, as the single biggest environmental threat to human health.
Even short term exposure can cause breathing problems and air pollution contributes to up to 43,000 early deaths in the UK every year.
The scheme builds on existing air quality alerts systems in London, which has issued 19 high and 217 moderate pollution alerts since 2018, which are also displayed on bus stop countdown signs, the Tube and roadside signs.
Dr Chris Streather, Medical Director and Chief Clinical Information Officer, NHS England London, said: “By delivering targeted air quality alerts to London’s healthcare professionals, we are empowering our frontline NHS staff to provide informed care and support for our communities’ wellbeing.”
Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, mother of Ella said: “Today’s announcement of an air quality alert for health professionals helps towards realising the Coroner’s second and third recommendations after the inquest into Ella’s death.
“I will continue to campaign for all three of the Coroner’s recommendations to become a reality throughout the UK and the announcement is a step towards that goal.”
The alert system comes on the back of the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and delivery of electric buses and electric vehicles in London.
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