A Walsall study day that focused on three key areas of children’s healthcare was hailed a success.
Dr Drusilla Ferdinand, Paediatric Consultant, hosted an ‘Allergy, Asthma and Atopy in Paediatrics study day’ for staff looking after children at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and in primary care.
These study days started back in 2015 and have taken place annually ever since.
This year around 30 attendees took part.
The purpose of the day is to give an overview of paediatric allergy, asthma and atopy.
An allergy is where the body produces a reproducible, adverse immunological reaction to something that’s normally harmless like food proteins, pollen, dust mites or animal fur. The symptoms can be mild, but for some people they can be very serious.
Asthma is a common long-term condition that causes breathing difficulties.
Atopy refers to the genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases.
Dr Ferdinand said: “The study day went really well and we had lots of good feedback.
“Delegates said they found it useful and had improved understanding of underlying principles and investigations. They also found the workshops were useful – however, some of them did not enjoy the tasting of specialised formula milks!
“Thanks to my colleagues who contributed to the delivery of this study afternoon and a huge thank you to Sally Rooke (Thermofisher) for helping organise the venue, catering and sponsorship to enable this meeting to go ahead.”
The study day benefitted staff as it allowed them to have an increased understanding of these three topics which also benefits patients as improved knowledge leads to improved management pathways for children and their families and overall improved physical, psychological, social and educational standards.
Pictured L-R is:
- Dr Pooja Siddhi – Paediatric consultant
- Sarah Freeth – Paediatric asthma nurse
- Kirsty Roberts – Paediatric dietician
- Dr Drusilla Ferdinand – Paediatric consultant
- Sally Rooke – Thermofisher representative
- Dr Najma Iqbal – Paediatric consultant