Menu
25/06/2003
NHS allergy services 'totally inadequate'
Allergy services in the NHS are "totally inadequate" and cannot cope with the rising amount and increasing severity of allergy in the UK, according to a new report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).
In the study ‘Allergy: The Unmet Need – a blueprint for better patient care’, the RCP says that an acute shortage of allergy consultants and specialist centres has meant that patients face major difficulties in obtaining accurate diagnoses, advice and treatment.
The numbers of allergy sufferers in the UK has risen in recent years and one-in-three of the population is expected to develop allergy at some time in their lives.
The provision of NHS allergy services has not kept pace with the spread of allergies, claims the FCP. Currently, there are six major centres staffed by consultant allergists offer a full-time service with expertise in all types of allergic problems, and a further nine centres staffed by allergists offer a part-time service. The remaining 86 allergy clinics in Britain are run part-time by consultants in other medical specialties.
The main recommendations of the report are that:
RCP President Professor Carol Black, said: “The increased incidence of allergic disease, including some of the most harmful forms, is just one example of a change in the pattern of illness and disease that we could not have foreseen."
(GMcG)
In the study ‘Allergy: The Unmet Need – a blueprint for better patient care’, the RCP says that an acute shortage of allergy consultants and specialist centres has meant that patients face major difficulties in obtaining accurate diagnoses, advice and treatment.
The numbers of allergy sufferers in the UK has risen in recent years and one-in-three of the population is expected to develop allergy at some time in their lives.
The provision of NHS allergy services has not kept pace with the spread of allergies, claims the FCP. Currently, there are six major centres staffed by consultant allergists offer a full-time service with expertise in all types of allergic problems, and a further nine centres staffed by allergists offer a part-time service. The remaining 86 allergy clinics in Britain are run part-time by consultants in other medical specialties.
The main recommendations of the report are that:
- allergy centres should be set up in each NHS region
- more consultant allergists must be appointed
- more training posts must be created and fully funded
- and allergy services should be led by GP practices, with expertise available from hospitals for more severe and complex problems
RCP President Professor Carol Black, said: “The increased incidence of allergic disease, including some of the most harmful forms, is just one example of a change in the pattern of illness and disease that we could not have foreseen."
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2004
Private sector input will save NHS millions, claims Minister
More than £220 million could be slashed off the NHS' costs bill through a new private sector partnership announced today. The health department has said that the savings will be made over 10 years by getting more NHS Trusts to use centralised service centres to carry out back office work.
Private sector input will save NHS millions, claims Minister
More than £220 million could be slashed off the NHS' costs bill through a new private sector partnership announced today. The health department has said that the savings will be made over 10 years by getting more NHS Trusts to use centralised service centres to carry out back office work.
26 March 2007
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
08 July 2009
£5m Allocated To Tackle Children's Communication Problems
A £5million package of measures is being rolled out to help improve services for children and young people with communication problems. A new Communication Champion is also being recruited to raise the profile of these issues, Children's Secretary, Ed Balls and Care Services Minister Phil Hope announced today.
£5m Allocated To Tackle Children's Communication Problems
A £5million package of measures is being rolled out to help improve services for children and young people with communication problems. A new Communication Champion is also being recruited to raise the profile of these issues, Children's Secretary, Ed Balls and Care Services Minister Phil Hope announced today.
02 April 2004
Marks & Spencer poised to axe 1,000 jobs
Under restructuring plans announced on Friday, Marks & Spencer is to axe around 1,000 jobs following a review of head office operations and the financial services division. The company said the decision formed a "major part of Marks & Spencer's ongoing plan to accelerate business transformation".
Marks & Spencer poised to axe 1,000 jobs
Under restructuring plans announced on Friday, Marks & Spencer is to axe around 1,000 jobs following a review of head office operations and the financial services division. The company said the decision formed a "major part of Marks & Spencer's ongoing plan to accelerate business transformation".
24 January 2006
NHS 'commuter centres' launched
The first walk-in health centres for commuters have been launched by the government today.
NHS 'commuter centres' launched
The first walk-in health centres for commuters have been launched by the government today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
