Children living with serious food allergies are gaining new hope through an innovative gov.ie-linked public health effort at Cork University Hospital. In a major development for the Health Service Executive (HSE), CUH welcomed young patients from across the country for a special paediatric clinic focused on allergy treatment through Oral Immunotherapy (OIT).
Held on Saturday, 4 July, the initiative brought around 40 children and teenagers to the Seahorse Day Unit at CUH, where they began or progressed carefully supervised treatment designed to build tolerance to foods that can cause severe allergic reactions. Families travelled from Cork, Dublin, Waterford, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Kildare, Portlaoise, Roscommon, Wexford and Galway, underlining the growing national demand for specialist allergy care in Ireland.
Allergy treatment at CUH expands access for families nationwide
This latest CUH clinic highlights how the Health Service Executive (HSE) is supporting more accessible specialist services outside standard weekday hours. By using Saturday paediatric day ward capacity, the hospital was able to treat a high number of children in one safe, structured setting while helping families avoid workday disruption.
CUH launched its Oral Immunotherapy programme in May 2025 and has already treated 560 patients. According to the hospital, more than 60% of assessed children have successfully moved into active OIT treatment. That means many are now on a pathway that can significantly lower the risk of severe reactions in daily life.
- OIT introduces tiny amounts of an allergen under close medical supervision
- The dose is increased gradually over time
- The goal is to improve tolerance and reduce the danger of accidental exposure
- The treatment can ease anxiety for both children and parents
Marie Watson, Paediatric Strategic Development Manager, said the day reflected both medical progress and national teamwork, with healthcare staff, students and volunteers working together to support families.
A national hub for specialised paediatric allergy care
Professor Juan Trujillo, Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Allergy Specialist at CUH and University College Cork, said the programme is meeting strong demand from beyond County Cork. More than half of patients attending first consultations for OIT are travelling from other counties, reinforcing CUH’s role as a regional and national centre for advanced allergy treatment.
The clinic was delivered in partnership with University College Cork and supported by consultant doctors, Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors, a GP with a specialist allergy interest, and UCC students. The collaborative model also reflects wider public service themes seen across Irish institutions, from Health and Social Protection to Education and Further and Higher Education.
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How the Health Service Executive (HSE) initiative supports modern healthcare delivery
The CUH event is more than a single clinic day. It points to a broader shift in how Irish healthcare infrastructure can be used more flexibly to reduce waiting times and improve outcomes. Similar to efficiency drives seen across bodies such as the Revenue Commissioners, Central Bank, CSO, Department of the Taoiseach and Public Expenditure, the approach shows how targeted planning can make public systems work better for citizens.
For families dealing with food allergies, the impact is immediate and personal. OIT can reduce the constant fear linked to accidental exposure at school, at social events or while travelling. It also creates a more structured pathway for children who are suitable for treatment, rather than leaving families to manage risk alone.
- Assessment identifies whether a child is clinically suitable for OIT
- Treatment begins in a controlled hospital setting
- Follow-up supports safe progression over time
- Shorter waiting lists improve access for new patients
Explore more: Irish health policy, HSE hospital services and national care developments
Why this matters for Ireland
With children attending from multiple counties, the CUH programme demonstrates how specialist paediatric services can serve the whole country when capacity is organised effectively. It also supports national goals linked to Health, Children/Disability/Equality and broader public sector reform.
As the Health Service Executive (HSE) continues expanding access to modern allergy treatment, CUH’s Oral Immunotherapy programme stands out as a practical example of innovation delivering real-world benefits. For Irish families facing the daily challenges of food allergies, this allergy treatment initiative is a meaningful step toward safer, more confident lives.
Article/Image Courtesy: HSE
