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Sheffield Teaching Hospitals’ Clinical Immunology and Allergy Unit has been formally accredited by the Royal College of Physicians in recognition of the high standards of care it provides to patients.

The regional centre, which was established in 1997 and cares for around 190 patients a week, successfully achieved the Quality in Primary Immunodeficiency Services (QPIDS) quality assurance badge following a rigorous assessment process.

QPIDS is the national accreditation programme for centres caring for patients with primary immunodeficiency disorders, or disorders that disrupt the body’s ability to defend against viruses and bacteria.

Assessors gave particular praise to the quality of patient information, the experience and skill of the team and their innovative approach to the development of services as well as the development of a dedicated Administrative and Clerical Team Leader role. The latter has played a key role in helping to ensure that all available clinic slots are used by patients, significantly reducing the average length of time patients have to wait for their first appointment.

The home therapy service was also given a first-class rating. This is particularly important in patients who suffer with immunological disorders as deficiencies often persist for a lifetime and they have to administer their own treatment, such as an injection of infusion, at home.

Dr Anna Shrimpton, Consultant Immunologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Clinical Lead for the Clinical Immunology and Allergy Unit, said: “We are delighted to have received this accreditation which recognises the high standards of care we deliver. The majority of our patients require lifelong therapy and are cared for on our Unit for many years. This award is testament to the tremendous hard work of our team, and is excellent recognition of the first-class assessment, diagnosis, treatment, advice and support we provide. However, we are never complacent, and will continue to develop our services and facilities for the benefit of patients.”

The accreditation is awarded for a period of five years. Each accredited centre is expected to submit evidence on an annual basis to demonstrate they are continuing to meet the standards.

ENDS

The photo shows front row, left to right: Dr Dilani Arnold (Consultant Immunologist), Salga Abraham, (Staff Nurse) and back row, left to right) Melanie Habeshaw (Clerical Officer), Liliane Mukadi (Clinical Support Worker), Sister Anita Doane (Clinical Nurse Specialist) and Dr Anna Shrimpton (Consultant Immunologist & Clinical Lead)