Lords Minister Commits to Exploring National Rollout of Primary Care Allergy Pilot

In a significant move towards improving allergy care in the UK, the Health Minister in the House of Lords, Baroness Merron, has pledged to discuss the potential for a national rollout of a primary care allergy pilot with the Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne MP.

This announcement came during a recent House of Lords debate, where the urgent need for enhanced allergy services was passionately discussed by several Peers.

During the debate, Baroness Merron committed to discussing the potential for a national rollout of a primary care allergy pilot with the Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne MP. This commitment came in response to a debate initiated by Baroness Ramsey of Wall Heath (Labour), focusing on the need for timely and comprehensive care for patients with allergies.

Several Peers highlighted the successful outcomes of Allergy UK’s nurse-led allergy clinic trial. Lord Scriven (Liberal Democrat) specifically asked the Minister to consider expanding this pilot nationally. Baroness Merron acknowledged the importance of the issues raised and praised organisations like Allergy UK, Anaphylaxis UK, and the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation for their efforts in raising awareness and supporting allergy sufferers.

Baroness Merron emphasised the government’s dedication to improving allergy care, noting ongoing efforts such as the MHRA’s anaphylaxis safety campaign, NICE guidance on autoinjector use, and the approval of Palforzia for children and young people. She also highlighted the significant geographical inequalities in accessing allergy services and stressed the need to address these disparities as part of the government’s 10-year health plan.

The debate underscored the cross-party support for enhancing allergy care, with Peers from various parties advocating for the integration of specialist allergy nurses and dietitians into primary care. Baroness Ramsey, Baroness Burt of Solihull, Baroness Healy of Primrose Hill, Lord Mendelsohn, and others shared personal experiences and highlighted the urgent need for improved allergy services.

The full debate can be watched here, and the transcript will be available here.