Read the Children's Charter

Read the Children's Charter in full (pdf)

This is our twelve point Children's Charter for better care and treatment for children with lung disease and to improve the lung health of children in the UK. The most commonly reported long-term illnesses in children and babies are conditions of the respiratory system.

1. PROMOTION OF LUNG HEALTH

2. Children should be able to enjoy a smoke free environment both inside and outside the home.
3. All children and their parents and carers should be given opportunities to learn how to keep their lungs healthy.
4. Parents and carers should ensure that their children are immunised in line with government advice, so they are protected from diseases that cause breathing problems.
5. Parents and carers should appreciate the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise to avoid the breathing problems associated with obesity.

   MANAGEMENT OF DISEASE

6. Parents and carers should be able to recognise common respiratory symptoms (e.g. coughing, wheezing) and be informed about what can be done to help.
7. Children with any respiratory problems should have access to a professional who is suitably qualified.
8. Chronic respiratory diseases in children should be diagnosed accurately and in a timely manner. There should be ready access to specialist doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and other appropriate professionals.
   Many of these diseases, e.g. cystic fi brosis, need to be managed by such specialist teams.
9. Children who need respiratory support at home (e.g. home oxygen) should be supported by a team of trained professionals.
10. Children who would be appropriate candidates for lung transplantation should have access to specialist centres where advice, assessment, and care are available.
11. Young people with chronic respiratory diseases should be prepared for care as an adult at an appropriate time. They should have not interruption or diminution in the standard of care after transfer to adult services.
12. Parents and carers of children with end-stage respiratory disease should be supported and given ready access to appropriate respite and palliative care.

    RESEARCH

13. More research is needed into lung disease in children and also the extent to which many adult respiratory disorders may originate in childhood. Children and parents should be informed of the benefits from such research and encouraged to participate where appropriate.