But the the position statement also said that hospital departments must be adequately staffed and that the public and policy makers needed to value "the unique function of the nurse and nursing".

BBC: Welsh Nursing Academy: Uncaring nurses 'should leave'

Sarah Mullally, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said that currently a specialist asthma nurse treating a child can check their lung function and advise on ways to reduce attacks - but cannot write a prescription for an inhaler.

BBC: Prescribing shake-up planned