Clinical Immunology and Allergy

The Peninsula Immunology and Allergy Service is a tertiary referral centre for adult immunodeficiency and allergy. It is based in the Eden Unit at Derriford Hospital and staffed by specially trained doctors and nurses. We run 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 hospitals around the region, and contribute to Joint Immunology/Respiratory clinics in Exeter, Torbay and Treliske, and work with paediatricians to care for children with immunodeficiency.

Our lead consultant is Dr Claire Bethune (Consultant Clinical Immunologist). We have two other consultants, a GP specialty doctor in allergy, provide training for specialist registrars, and we are committed to training the next generation of doctors and nurses by having medical and nursing students in the department. There is a day-case area on the Eden Unit where patients undergo specialist treatment or investigations. The medical team also provides clinical advice to and on behalf of the immunology laboratories at Derriford Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

We hold accreditation by the Quality in Primary Immune Deficiency Scheme (QPIDS), the Improving Quality in Allergy Services (IQAS), and the laboratory is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).  We are a Centre of Excellence in the European Competence Network on Mastocytosis.  The department participates in national and international 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 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. In addition to these we have several telephone clinics throughout the week.  To get an appointment you will need to be referred by your GP through the standard NHS GP referral system (Choose and Book). GPs can call to discuss cases or ask for advice during normal working hours (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri) on 01752 431675, or send an email to plh-tr.eden@nhs.net (for GP advice only).

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

There are additional specialist clinics for hereditary angioedema, mastocytosis, and immunodeficiency with significant respiratory disease held several times each 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.