FEARS that thousands of asthma sufferers in Wychavon may be receiving the wrong treatment have sparked an emergency respiratory study day in the district.

Droitwich-based Abacus Care, which supplies nurses and health staff to hospitals and care homes in Worcestershire, has set up the day in light of new research from Birmingham University's School of Medicine, which reveals that meters used to monitor the condition could give false readings.

Health staff will now meet with specialists on Tuesday, September 23.

The meeting will provide the opportunity to talk in-depth about asthma management and raise any issues of concern.

"The study by Birmingham University is stark evidence that asthma requires careful monitoring to ensure that drugs prescribed are actually helping and not hindering the condition," said Abacus Care spokeswoman Sue Rickwood.

"Although asthma, in the majority of cases, can be kept under control, it's responsible for 1,500 deaths each year.

"It's estimated that 90 per cent of these could be prevented.

"Suggested treatment and management of asthma is changing all the time.

"That is why we are keen to hold a study day that may provide local healthcare professionals with up-to-date information.

Speakers on the day will include Lesley Stannard, a respiratory nurse, John Latham, from the British Lung Foundation, and Allen Shaw, a respiratory outreach specialist.

The study day will be held in Birmingham at The Clarendon Suite hotel on Hagley Road.