Parents welcome waiting time reduction initiative for children with allergies

The Northern Trust has delivered a series of additional specialist clinics for paediatric patients with allergies, which has helped reduce waiting times and improve the experience for patients.

The initiative was made possible through additional funding provided by the Department of Health, specifically aimed at tackling long waiting lists.

The evening clinics, which took place at Antrim Area Hospital, brought together a multidisciplinary team including a Paediatric Consultant, Paediatric Asthma & Allergy Nurse Specialist, and Allergy Dietitian, enabling children to receive comprehensive care in a single visit.

Waiting lists were reviewed to identify those at highest risk and these patients were then invited to attend the extra clinics.

During each appointment, children were assessed by the consultant along with any necessary follow-up support from other members of the MDT team – eliminating the need for multiple visits.

This streamlined approach was able to significantly improve the patient experience, which has been reflected in the positive feedback received from parents.

Welcoming the new clinics, Clare Corrigan from Mid-Ulster area whose 7-year-old child was treated by the service, said: “We were referred by the GP and thankfully didn’t have too long to wait.

“Overall, we had a positive experience. The staff were very welcoming and very children friendly. I felt that the education aspect was very important – it helped me feel confident in knowing what to do and how to deal with allergies going forward.”

Northern Trust nurse specialist, Lesley Kennedy, said: “The Waiting List Initiative has allowed us to deliver timely, coordinated care to children who needed it most. By bringing together the right expertise in one clinic, we’ve been able to make a real difference to both clinical outcomes and the experience of families.”

Dr Martin Hanna, Consultant Paediatrician at the Northern Trust, said: “I am very pleased that this initiative has enabled our paediatric patients to be seen sooner than would have been otherwise possible. Earlier assessment allows for more timely diagnosis and access to the support they need, so the additional clinics are very welcome.

“While clinic capacity has not allowed us see every patient immediately, there has been a clear overall benefit in reducing the waiting list, which in turn shortens the waiting times for those still to be seen.”

 

15th May 2026