Ashleigh’s Fight for Food Allergy Care in the UK
Ashleigh Coleman
Ashleigh’s Allergy Diagnosis Story
“In 2018, I developed an itchy rash around my eyes. A practitioner advised me to try cutting out dairy, and it seemed to help. But in 2023, I experienced my first anaphylactic reaction, caused by dairy being accidentally served in a restaurant. Two more life-threatening reactions followed. Only then was I offered an immunology appointment, which was scheduled for a year later.
During this waiting period, I started reacting to other foods, including gluten, soy, almond milk, coffee, and chocolate. I also developed painful, itchy rashes on my arms and face.
I begged my GP to arrange an earlier appointment, but I was told there was only one immunologist serving the entire hospital, fully booked for the year. There was no cancellation list, as appointments were reserved only for emergencies. The irony is that even when I visited A&E during anaphylactic emergencies, I was never offered a consultation with the hospital’s immunologist.
The waiting felt isolating and dangerous. I couldn’t afford private treatment, and I knew something serious was wrong.
When I finally saw the immunologist, I was told my rashes were likely eczema, and my other food allergies were ‘mild.’ I requested a second opinion and further testing. The results revealed I was severely allergic to soy, with a high risk of anaphylaxis if ingested.
Trusting my instincts and advocating for my own health may have saved my life. But many others may not be as fortunate, some people cannot push for care or are simply not listened to. With allergic reactions rising, specialist support in the UK is not keeping pace.”
– Ashleigh Coleman
The UK Allergy Care Crisis
Ashleigh’s experience highlights a growing problem across the UK. A recent report, the Royal College of Pathologists Clinical Immunology Workforce Report 2025, informed by evidence from Natasha’s Foundation, exposes serious gaps in NHS immunology services.
This is especially concerning for people with food allergies, anaphylaxis, and other immune disorders, because immunologists play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating these conditions. Without timely access to specialist care, patients are left vulnerable, undiagnosed, and at risk of life-threatening reactions.
In the UK, there are fewer than 50 allergists, so most patients with food allergies rely on immunologists. When these services are understaffed, people with severe food allergies face dangerous delays in care.
Key Findings from the Report Include:
75% of adult immunology services lack enough staff to meet patient demand
The UK needs 44% more consultant immunologists to cover current needs
In Scotland, only 2 consultant immunologists serve over 5 million people
76% of immunology services are understaffed
53% of vacancies have remained unfilled for over a year
“This report highlights the significant pressures facing adult immunology services across the UK. These shortages directly impact patient safety. Urgent government action is needed, including the appointment of an Allergy Tsar to champion the needs of people with allergies.”
- Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE, Founder of Natasha’s Foundation
People with food allergies deserve timely specialist care, and urgent reform is needed to prevent life-threatening delays.
Read the full report here: RCPath Clinical Immunology Workforce Report 2025
Why We Need an Allergy Tsar
Stories like Ashleigh’s highlight the urgent need for systemic change in allergy care.
That’s why Natasha’s Foundation is calling for the government to appoint an Allergy Tsar, a dedicated person with the power to:
Fix gaps in the healthcare system.
Join-up care across services.
Ensure people with allergies are listened to and protected.
Every person with food allergies deserves timely, expert care and no one should have to wait a year for an appointment that could be lifesaving.