According to figures from Allergy UK, the number of Britons suffering from allergies is increasing by 5% each year, with one in four people affected at some stage in their lives.
The number of Britons suffering from allergies is increasing by 5 percent each year
In response to the increasing demand for allergy services, Spire Murrayfield Hospital in Edinburgh has launced a new Allergy Clinic.
The Allergy Clinic provides both a diagnostic service to accurately identify allergies or intolerances in the sufferer, and necessary advice and ongoing support in dealing with the particular allergies diagnosed.
Your Consultation
Consultations can take up to one hour. To accurately identify allergy or intolerance, a detailed history of your medical background, diet and environment will be taken.
Allergy Tests
If allergy is suspected, the test of choice is skin prick testing. A very small amount of suspected allergen is introduced under the top layer of the skin. If you are allergic, a positive reaction will occur within 15 minutes. If skin prick testing is contra-indicated, then a blood test can be taken and specific allergies identified. If food intolerance or sensitivity is suspected, then advice is given on how to eliminate the food group from your diet and Linda will monitor your symptoms to check whether or not they are resolving. If after two weeks, the symptoms have resolved, then advice in conjunction with Allergy UK will be given as to how to reintroduce the food group to your diet or how to cope without it altogether.
If a patient presents with eczema or dermatitis, then patch testing can be done at the time of your initial consultation to identify the likely cause.
Please note if you are taking anti-histamine therapy, you will need to stop taking this for at least one week prior to coming to the clinic otherwise skin prick testing cannot be done.
Post Consultation
With you permission, your details will be faxed to Allergy UK who will provide you with information, leaflets and advice, where required, on allergy or intolerance.
You will be contacted after your consultation to give feedback on tests performed and provide advice and support where needed.
Charges
When you attend your out-patient appointment, you may be required to have some investigations or treatment.
If you have any questions about the treatment or investigation your nurse has requested, or would like a price confirmed, please ask your Allergy Nurse Specialist before proceeding with treatment.
Self-funding Patients
You will receive a separate account from the Allergy Nurse Specialist for £180. This fee covers your initial consultation, skin prick testing, patch testing and follow-up. This fee is payable on the day of your appointment by cash or cheque only.
It is possible that subsequent blood tests will be required and if so, the hospital will send you a detailed invoice and seven days later your credit/debit card will be charged.
Bloods*
Phlebotomy £31.10
Single allergen £22.10
Mixed allergen £43.20
(*Please note that you may require more than one blood test and you would be charged each test completed.)
Insured Patients
Insurance companies will not normally cover this nurse led service.
To Make an Appointment
To make an appointment for the Allergy Clinic call 0131 316 2530.
You can make a self-referral for this nurse-led service, although referrals from GPs are also welcome.