A DAVYHULME mum has praised the ‘fabulous nurses’ who have helped her to manage her son’s asthma.

Kelly Sutton, mother of five-year-old Thomas, described nurses from Trafford children’s community nursing team as ‘Tommy’s Angels’, for the care and advice they gave when her son’s asthma was at its worst and she was at her most anxious.

Asthma affects up to one in eleven children and can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness, which in severe cases can sometimes require hospital treatment.

Kelly explained: “Tom was really suffering with his asthma and I was at a loss with what to do. It reached the stage where if he got a bug, or even got excited, then it would floor him - he couldn’t go outside to play and it was affecting his sleeping. I was worried sick and wasn’t getting the right help to look after him.”

After unsuccessful attempts to manage Tom’s condition, he was eventually referred by his GP to the Trafford children’s community nursing team (CCNT), part of Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.

From there, the nurses were able to educate Kelly on how to manage the condition, including the signs and triggers of an attack and when to contact the team.

Kelly said: “The nurses have been fabulous. They have held me up as a mum at my most anxious points and have supported Tom without hesitation, I feel like they really got to know my son to give the best advice for him.

"The advice has been knowledgeable and consistent, teaching me everything I need to know - what asthma is, what the signs are, when to get in touch and what to do if he takes a turn."

The Trafford children’s community nursing team provides care closer to home for children and young people who have mild acute illness, long-term health needs, or complex care requirements, aiming to reduce avoidable hospital admissions.

Lisa Fern, nurse manager, said: “I am delighted that our team were able to provide the right help for Kelly and Tom, and that mum feels more at ease and in control.”

Children and young people are referred to the Children’s Community Nursing Team by their GP or other health professional. For more information visit www.penninecare.nhs.uk.