A Message from Our CEO

A new era in UK healthcare begins today, and with it comes both opportunity and responsibility for the allergy community. As we witness a change in government, I’d like to address some of Labour’s health proposals and their potential impact on allergy care in the UK. There are two areas in Labour’s manifesto where there is the greatest opportunity to significantly impact the experiences of those in the allergic community 

Immediate Actions to Reduce Waiting Lists 

Labour’s plan to reduce waiting lists has the potential to reduce the waiting times for allergy diagnosis and treatment. Implementing shared waiting lists across neighbouring hospitals will also ensure more efficient use of resources, benefiting those in need of timely allergy care. 

Primary and Community Care 

Reforming the GP system to ensure face-to-face appointments and continuity of care, along with creating a Community Pharmacist Prescribing Service, has the potential to make allergy management more accessible and efficient. This is particularly crucial for eczema patients, who benefit significantly from in-person consultations. If Neighbourhood Health Centres were to include allergy specialists – as per our current policy call to introduce an allergy specialist and dietitian to each UK health region – there is the potential for this to provide more comprehensive local services and bring allergy care closer to home for many. 

While these proposals are promising, we acknowledge that specific allergy-focused initiatives are not explicitly mentioned. However, we view this as an opportunity to engage with the new government and ensure that the unique needs of the allergic community are represented in future health policies. 

Our endeavours are renewed today to work with those of influence to create a future where allergies are better understood, more effectively managed, and given the attention they deserve in our healthcare system. Allergies are already #TooBigToIgnore, and with collaborative efforts, we believe we can improve the lives of millions affected by this condition across the UK.