Allergy admissions rise at Doncaster hospitals

Hospital admissions linked to allergies have risen in recent years at the Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Trust, figures reveal.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Charity Allergy UK says increasing hospital visits across England linked to allergies are worrying, and wants to see more education about the risks of severe allergic reactions.

NHS Digital data shows there were around 120 admission episodes with a primary diagnosis of allergies at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in 2019-20 – the latest full year’s worth of figures.

Read More
Dozens more clinical workers join Doncaster health trust
Allergy admissions have risenAllergy admissions have risen
Allergy admissions have risen
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

That was up from around 75 in 2015-16 – the earliest year for which data was available – although it was down from around 135 in 2018-19.

The figures count a patient’s first period of care under a consultant, and include admissions for allergies related to food, pollen and cosmetics, among other things.

Nationally, around 30,400 admission episodes were recorded – a big increase from 20,700 in 2015-16.

“As lockdown restrictions ease, if you or your friends or family have a food allergy, it’s important to never be complacent,” said a spokeswoman for the Food Standards Agency, which is responsible for food safety and hygiene.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Remember to be allergy aware and speak to restaurants about food allergies every time you order, because ingredients, recipes and staff can change.”

The figures also show there were at least 21 admission episodes with a primary diagnosis of anaphylactic shock at the Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Trust in 2019-20 – compared to at least 11 in 2015-16.

The exact numbers are not known because the totals for certain patient groups were suppressed to maintain confidentiality.

Anaphylactic shock happens when someone has a severe and potentially life-threatening immune reaction to a trigger, which is often an allergy.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There were around 5,500 admission episodes linked to anaphylactic shock across England in 2019-20, which was slightly down from the previous year but up from 4,500 in 2015-16.

Amena Warner head of clinical services for Allergy UK, said the rising number of hospital admissions for allergies and anaphylactic shock was a “huge concern”.

She added: “If this isn’t brought under control we’re going to have a huge problem, because in some cases allergic reactions can be fatal.”

The exact reasons why allergies are on the rise are not known, said Ms Warner, but she added that people’s gut health could be a factor, as well as genetic influences.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

New regulations – due to come into force in October – will require businesses preparing pre-packed food for direct sale on their premises to include a full ingredients list on an item’s label.

Named “Natasha’s Law”, this followed the case of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who died in 2016 after suffering an allergic reaction to a Pret a Manger baguette.

But Ms Warner said people still need to understand the risks in the first place so they can make an informed choice, adding: “There needs to be much more education about allergies for the general public.”

The FSA spokeswoman said that, although hospital admissions for food-induced anaphylaxis rose in the two decades to 2018, the fatality rate for such admissions more than halved over the period.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.

Related topics: