Ten years on: The Allergy UK Dietitians Service 

Allergy UK’s Dietitians Service recently passed a significant milestone, the 10-year anniversary since its inception. The service was opened to meet a need identified by calls to the helpline from parents with concerns that their child may have symptoms suggestive of a food allergy and the struggles they faced in being heard consistently, facing barriers and challenges to accessing expert care.   

Over the past decade, the service has provided more than 2,300 telephone appointments with a specialist pediatric allergy dietitian to parents/carers who meet the following criteria:     

1. A child with one or more symptoms suggestive of allergy  
2. Live in the UK  
3. Have children 0-5 years of age   
4. The child has not been seen by or under the care of a Dietitian  
5. Have a referral to dietetic services but with a wait to access over >6 weeks   

This model of care exists to support families by providing interim expert nutritional advice, practical dietary support and reassurance to help parents safely navigate symptoms suggestive of food allergies who might have otherwise faced long waits or limited access to specialist allergy care. 

This service can be accessed by phoning the helpline on 01322619898 or [email protected].

by contacting the helpline at Allergy UK via telephone, webchat, email or completing an online form on the website. 

Our telephone dietetic clinic has become a trusted resource signposted by both service users and HCPs .

By delivering consultations over the phone, the service has enabled high quality allergy support that is accessible, convenient and inclusive to be delivered to families.

The dietitians service has a pool of 11 specialist allergy dietitians who cover the appointment rota. Testimonials demonstrate the need for the service and positive impact on patient outcomes:    

Reflections from Clinicians working in the Dietitians service:

“It can be really frustrating to hear about the struggles that families have had to be heard and get appropriate, timely first– line advice for reflux, eczema, obtaining a suitable diagnosis and treatment for cow’s milk and other food allergies and introduction to a wide range of foods.  Many are left searching the internet and using social media for information rather than being referred to a dietitian, risking development of feeding difficulties, poor growth and poorly controlled eczema which increases the risk of developing further food allergies. It is a real pleasure to be able to offer clear guidance, support and reassurance to families who always seem so grateful although sometimes upset that they hadn’t been able to do their best for their infants from the outset.”  

“Working with families in the Dietitian’s service is a pleasure. Many parents say they have been desperately searching for answers about potential allergies in their child. Listening, offering support, and guiding them toward the right path with a plan for ongoing local support, it feels like the service truly makes a difference to the families.”  

Research consistently highlights the importance of the role Dietitians play in providing dietetic guidance and advice on food allergies and intolerances, of which the benefits include:   

• Expedites correct management pathway and time to diagnosis
• Reduce the risks associated with unnecessary and restrictive food avoidance diets
• Advice on safe re-introduction using approved tools e.g. milk and egg ladders
• Reaching this milestone reflects the initial vision for the service and the ongoing dedication of the specialist allergy dietitian’s, Allergy UK Nurses and helpline team.

Following the telephone consultation, a detailed and personalised letter is written which offers interim dietary advice and recommendations for the GP if a prescription or onward referral is required. This letter is then mailed to the family and GP. Included with this area any further information sources that will help families to understand and manage their child’s allergy.   

The positive impact that this service has had on families, which is best exemplified in the testimonials provided as service user feedback below:   

“I just want to say a huge thank you. Your advice, support and guidance has helped me to understand my sons’ allergies and eczema better, and I have had the relevant allergy tests carried out,as suggested), which have given me a greater sense of confidence when introducing food allergens.”  

“I am so grateful to the dietitian who was incredibly helpful because of her excellent knowledge, reassurance and clear communication. It was the first time since I suspected my baby had food allergy that I had evidence-based information and a clear plan. It really settled my concerns about the allergy and gave me a clear plan. I couldn’t be more complimentary the service she gave me.” 

“Thank you SO much. The lady I spoke to was brilliant, so informative and listened to my concerns and took the time to answer my questions. She even thought about my own needs as a breastfeeding mother. This service went beyond my expectations and has been such a huge help. The GP has finally listened to and made a referral after receiving your letter, and I had confidence to start weaning my baby and trying new allergens! Honestly, thank you beyond words. It’s been such a huge help, I’ve told so many people about it since!” 

After service evaluations have highlighted two important aspects including the rapid reassurance and prevention of unnecessary dietary restriction, as well as the following health improvement outcomes:   

• High parental satisfaction   
• Increased awareness of different types of allergy IgE/Non-IgE  
• Management of conditions where symptoms may overlap e.g. Reflux   
• Confidence in managing elimination diets  
• Understanding of allergen avoidance   
• Reducing anxiety levels .  

Allergy UK looks forward to continuing to support many more families in the years ahead. 

If you or someone you know would benefit from this service please call the Allergy UK helpline on 01322619898 or [email protected] to see if you can book an appointment.