Thank you for contacting me about allergies.
I know that people with allergies can suffer from a diverse set of conditions ranging from temporary and mild skin reactions, through to the more serious and potentially life threatening. I agree that people living with allergies need access to appropriate, high quality care to help manage their conditions.
I am aware that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has produced a range of allergy related guidance on best practice in the diagnosis and management of disease as well as assessing specific interventions and procedures. Whilst the vast majority of patients with allergies can be successfully managed through routine access to primary and secondary care, NHS England commissions certain elements of specialised care that may be needed.
You may be interested to learn that in March 2020 an Adrenaline Autoinjector (AAIs) Expert Working Group was formed to examine a range of cross-cutting areas to support: the effective and safe use of AAIs (such as epi-pens) for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis; product labelling; training in the use of AAIs; and whether AAIs should be available to the market in dual packs as the norm. The Working Group is also helping inform a communication campaign to raise awareness of the key messaging on the safe and effective use of AAIs.
Further, I welcome the introduction of Natasha’s law which will come into force on 1 October 2021. This will make it a legal requirement for all food retailers and operators to display full ingredient and allergen labelling information on every food item they sell pre-packed for direct sale, ensuring that people with allergies are protected appropriately and giving them confidence in the food they buy.
People with allergies continue to be supported through commissioned NHS services which are commissioned locally through clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). However, to support patients with more complex conditions NHS England and Improvement directly commissions some specialised services. While there is currently no specific Allergy Tsar for routine allergy services, NHS England and Improvement keeps the position under review and new National Clinical Directors or Specialty Advisers are appointed as necessary. I have nevertheless assured that ministers are aware of calls for an Allergy Tsar.
Thank you again for writing to me.
