Guy's and St Thomas' allergy services celebrated globally

The allergy service at Guy’s and St Thomas’ has become only the fourth centre in the world to be recognised as a Centre of Excellence for allergy.

The prestigious status was awarded by the World Allergy Organization (WAO) which aims to advance excellence in clinical care, research, education and training in allergy and asthma.

Dr Adam Fox, clinical director for specialist ambulatory services at the Trust, said: “Becoming one of four centres in the world to have this status is a fantastic achievement for our allergy service.

“This endorsement recognises the hard work of our talented teams who have made a real difference to clinical care and cutting-edge allergy research. Their dedication means we can provide patients with the best possible treatment.”

Dr Fox, who led the application process, added: “The WAO’s approval will help us to continue to attract the best scientists and clinicians working in the field of allergy which will ultimately benefit patients.”

The achievement means that the WAO will provide the Trust’s allergy service with scientific support, mentorship for research and training and opportunities to collaborate with other Centres of Excellence, which are in Southampton, Lisbon and Mexico.

Dr Lanny Rosenwasser, chair of the WAO Centers of Excellence Committee, described the Trust’s allergy service as “outstanding”. He said: “The Centre matches all the criteria needed to become a Centre of Excellence, encompassing education, research and training.”

The allergy service at Guy’s and St Thomas’, which includes consultants, specialist trainees, nurses, dietitians and researchers, is the largest of its kind in the UK and provides patients with a comprehensive range of allergy services.

It serves the local community in Lambeth and Southwark and provides specialist care across the country to patients who suffer with allergic disease. The teams provide expert advice, diagnostic tests and treatment within a single visit to a clinic.

The Centre’s active research programme and high-quality clinical services have put it on the map as an established leader for allergy care. Professor Gideon Lack, head of the children’s allergy service, led landmark research into peanut allergy which is resulting in changes to worldwide public health advice.

In October the Trust’s adult allergy service was awarded ‘Centre for Excellence’ status by the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA²LEN). In 2012 the children’s allergy service also achieved this accolade.