The Eden Unit

The Eden Unit is a tertiary referral centre for adult immunodeficiency and allergy. It is based within Derriford Hospital and staffed by specially trained doctors and nurses. Our lead consultant is Dr Claire Bethune (Consultant Clinical Immunologist). We hold a number of different clinics within the Eden Unit and see patients from across the entire South West Peninsula. We liaise closely with other specialists in local hospitals and contribute to Joint Immunology/Respiratory clinics in Exeter, Torbay and Treliske.

The Immunology Team also work with paediatricians to care for children with immunodeficiency. We have a Day-Case Unit where patients undergo specialist treatment or investigations. Finally we provide clinical advice to and on behalf of the Immunology Laboratory, based at Derriford Hospital.

We are committed to training the next generation of Doctors and Nurses and regularly have medical and nursing students in the Eden Unit. We also provide a Specialist Registrar Training Scheme. We are involved in clinical trials for patients with primary immunodeficiency and allergy. We are committed to continually improving our service where we can. We conduct patient satisfaction questionnaires regularly and we offer the Friends and Family questionnaire to all patients. We are always happy to receive constructive feedback.

Below is a typical weekly timetable of our clinics. To get an appointment you will need to be referred by your GP through the standard NHS GP referral system (Choose and Book). GP’s can call to discuss cases or for advice during normal working hours (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri) on 01752 431675, or send an email to plh-tr.eden@nhs.net (GP advice only).

If you have any questions regarding an existing appointment or referral, please call Central Admin on 01752 431190.

There are additional specialist clinics for HAE, anaesthetic allergy, mastocytosis and immune deficiency with respiratory disease held 2-6 times a year.

If you are coming to a clinic appointment, please go to the specific clinic section (immunology, HAE or allergy) to learn more about what to expect on the day. Please read this information carefully as you may be required to bring certain things with you to your appointment or follow other instructions to ensure you get the most out of your clinic visit. We conduct many of our follow-up clinics by telephone to save our patients travelling long distances to see us. If this is appropriate for your case, it will be discussed at the end of your appointment.