The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has run a series of additional specialist clinics for children with allergies, reducing waiting times and improving the overall experience for families.

Backed by extra funding from the Department of Health aimed at addressing long waiting lists, the Trust organised evening clinics to increase capacity.

Hosted at Antrim Area Hospital, the sessions brought together a Paediatric Consultant, a Paediatric Asthma & Allergy Nurse Specialist and an Allergy Dietitian, enabling children to receive comprehensive care in a single visit.

The Trust reviewed its waiting lists to identify those at greatest risk and invited these patients to attend the extra clinics.

At each appointment, children were assessed by the consultant with follow-up support from other members of the multidisciplinary team, removing the need for multiple attendances.

This streamlined approach has led to a better experience for families, reflected in the feedback received. 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."