What to expect at your appointment

You will be seen by one of our allergy doctors, specialist allergy nurses or specialist allergy dietitians. Depending on clinical needs and the nature of your condition, consultations may be offered either face-to-face or virtually (by telephone or video consultation).

For children and young people, appointments are family-centred. A parent or carer will usually be present throughout the consultation. As children become older, we encourage them to take an active role in understanding and managing their allergy, while continuing to involve parents or carers in decisions about their care.

During your appointment, we will:

• Discuss your (or your child's) symptoms in detail
• Review your medical history, current medications and any relevant family history
• Review any previous investigations or treatments
• Arrange for investigations if applicable
• Assess the possible cause of your symptoms and establish the most likely diagnosis
• Agree a management plan

As a regional referral centre, we see patients from across the West Midlands. We may not have access to records from your local hospital. If possible, please bring copies of any relevant clinic letters, test results or other medical information relating to your or your child's condition.

The outcome of your appointment

Following your assessment, there are several possible outcomes:

• Advice and discharge: you may receive advice and/or treatment during your appointment and then be discharged back to the care of your GP
• Patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU): where appropriate, this allows you to contact us directly to arrange a follow-up appointment if your symptoms change or you need further specialist advice within an agreed period, rather than booking a routine scheduled appointment.
• Follow-up appointment: if further assessment or monitoring is required, we may arrange a follow-up appointment in the same general allergy clinic.
• Review and follow up in one of our specialist allergy clinics: if specialist investigations or treatments are needed, you may be booked to one of our specialised allergy clinics. These include allergen immunotherapy (desensitisation), biologic treatment such as omalizumab for chronic spontaneous urticaria, and supervised food or drug challenge testing
• Referral to another specialty: if your assessment suggests that your symptoms would be better managed by another specialist service. 

Before any investigation or treatment is undertaken, we will explain:

• Why it is recommended
• The potential benefits and risks
• Any alternative options available.

You will always have the opportunity to ask questions and decide whether or not you wish to proceed with any investigation or treatment.

After your appointment, a clinic letter summarising the assessment and management plan will be sent to the healthcare professional who referred you and to your GP. You will also receive a copy of this letter. For children, parents or carers will be involved in discussions and correspondence as appropriate, in line with the child's age and confidentiality requirements.