Policy round-up

Christian White, Allergy UK policy and influencing officer, highlights updates and health news.

Allergy UK responds to NICE NG258 – ‘Anaphylaxis: assessment and referral after emergency treatment’  

In late May, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published NG258, a guidance document on anaphylaxis, intended to replace the guidance document (CG134). NICE has an organisational responsibility to provide evidence-based guidance, setting quality standards and managing information to improve health and social care within the NHS. CG134, was published in 2011.  

Who is affected?

NG258 is intended for healthcare professionals, commissioners and providers, people with suspected anaphylaxis and their families and carers in England and Wales.  

What it changes

NG258 introduces changes to:  

  • Best practice for post-anaphylaxis observation times  
  • Discharge prescriptions, with the recommendation that all patients discharged from A&E or inpatient care to be provided with two in-date adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs), and  
  • Auto-injector education, with healthcare professionals required to give patients a brand-specific demonstration of how and when to use their auto-injectors.   

Overall, Allergy UK is supportive of the overdue update to anaphylaxis guidelines and is grateful to NICE for its work to ensure that healthcare professionals are aware of best practice when caring for members of the allergic community. Further, the recommendation to provide all patients discharged from A&E or inpatient care with two in-date adrenaline auto-injectors and the training to use them is an excellent step in the right direction in ensuring all have access to medication for the management of anaphylaxis.  

However, we have concerns over the limitations of the guidance as published and believe that more must be done to tackle the growing problem of health inequality experienced by the allergic community.  

National Allergy Strategy Launch in Northern Ireland (1 June 2026)

The National Allergy Strategy was launched at Stormont, Northern Ireland, attended by more than 150 delegates including MLAs, senior civil servants, healthcare professionals and families affected by allergies. Kate Nicholl MLA pledged her support to the allergic community, stating:  

“It is time for us to step up for you… your voices will drive the change we so desperately need.”  

MHRA Approval of EURneffy 1mg for Children (12 June 2026)

The Medicine and Health Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved a new lower-dose (1mg) version of the adrenaline nasal spray EURneffy for the treatment of anaphylaxis and suspected anaphylaxis in children aged four years and older. It is expected to be made available in late October, but this is yet to be confirmed. 

APPG for Allergy Annual General Meeting (6 July 2026)

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Allergy held its AGM in Parliament. Bringing together members from across both Houses of Parliament, the APPG for Allergy, an informal, cross-party group of parliamentary stakeholders, has become an important forum for advancing allergy policy and maintaining political engagement. Members have gone on to submit parliamentary questions, support campaigns and become Allergy UK champions.  Key outcomes included:  

  • Jodie Gosling MP re-elected as Chair, with Chris Bloore MP elected as Co-Chair 
  • Baroness Healy joined Lord Fink as an officer of the group.  

The APPG also discussed priorities for the coming year, including:  

  • Weaning advice for allergic children  
  • Airborne allergy awareness and policy 
  • Inclusion of allergy information within the NHS App  
  • Food labelling regulations, particularly in hospitality settings such as pubs.  

The group reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the voices of people living with allergies are represented at the highest levels of government.  

New Department for Education Allergy Guidance for Schools (6 July 2026)

Following its consultation on Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions at School, the Department for Education published new Allergy Safety in Schools guidance, known as ‘Benedict’s Law’, which will come into effect on 1 September 2026.   

These requirements apply to state schools, including maintained schools, Pupil Referral Units, academies and free schools (excluding 16-19 academies).   

“Maintained schools” receive funding and oversight directly from a local authority, such as special schools, but excluding maintained nursery schools.  

In addition to the above, the Department has made it clear that “the Government intends to introduce equivalent allergy safety requirements…for independent schools including independent special schools) and non-maintained special schools” academies and free schools (excluding 16-19 academies). 

From the 2026-27 academic year, these educational institutions in England will be required to:  

  • Have a whole-school allergy policy.  
  • Provide allergy awareness training for all staff.  
  • Stock spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) for emergency use.  
  • Implement Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs) for pupils with allergies.  
  • Appoint a named senior leader responsible for allergy management.  
  • Review and publish the allergy policy at least annually.  

The Government has also indicated its intention to introduce equivalent requirements for independent schools and non-maintained special schools.