Patients with breathing conditions such as asthma will receive treatment in the community from next month.

Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group claims the new service will mean hundreds of patients will be seen, assessed and treated in clinics and GP surgeries, helping to reduce admissions to hospitals and A&E departments.

The group, which is responsible for NHS healthcare in the area, says decision to deliver more care in the community will not only improve ease of access, meaning patients won’t have to travel to hospital, but will also enable patients to deal with their conditions more effectively.

Dr Corina Ciobanu, respiratory clinical lead at the commissioning group, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer a new and enhanced respiratory service to the patients of Herts Valleys.

“By treating respiratory conditions in the community and empowering patients to be involved in the management of their own care, we are able to provide a high quality service that prevents avoidable hospital admissions.

“This new and innovative service will make community respiratory care in Herts Valleys among the best in the country”.