Case study: One-stop-shop for young patients with food allergies

Alex Brightwell, Consultant Paediatrician, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, brought together partner agencies to set up a new one-stop-shop for the diagnosis and management of food allergies in young patients.

The multidisciplinary, paediatric-led allergy service was launched in March 2017 at Chet Valley Medical Practice in Loddon, Norfolk, following collaborations between consultants, dietitians, nurses, GPs and managers to deliver the new, high-quality service.

The one-stop-shop has treated more than 700 patients since it opened. Children who come to see their consultant have their allergy testing carried out by the nurse specialist and if they need dietary advice, they will see the dietitian. Patients also have their eczema management, asthma and inhaler technique reviewed and training on adrenaline auto-injectors.

Dr Brightwell said it had been a real team effort to get the service set up so quickly. She added that the next step was to expand the number of clinics in the region.

“We identified a gap and have delivered a really good service that we can be really proud of. It is so beneficial to have everything under one roof, which reduces the number of appointments. We have had some really nice feedback from parents. Our patients and families are feeling more confident and less anxious as a result.”

In addition to the one-stop clinic, Dr Brightwell and her team are working across services to improve care for children with allergies, improving care in the emergency department, through joint education events with primary care and developing the regional allergy network.