The Northern Trust has introduced additional evening clinics at Antrim Area Hospital to shorten waiting times for children requiring allergy assessments. These clinics target patients identified as most at risk from reviewed waiting lists.

A team including Dr Martin Hanna, consultant paediatrician, Lesley Kennedy, paediatric asthma and allergy nurse specialist, and Anne Marie Campbell, allergy dietitian, provides coordinated care in single appointments. This setup allows assessments by the consultant and follow-up support from specialists without multiple hospital visits.

The clinics received funding from the Department of Health. Dr Martin Hanna stated that the initiative enables earlier assessments and diagnoses, reducing overall waiting lists. Lesley Kennedy noted that it delivers timely care to children needing urgent support.

Clare Corrigan from the Mid-Ulster area attended with her seven-year-old child. She reported a positive experience with welcoming staff focused on children and helpful education for managing allergies at home.

The Northern Trust operates across areas including Antrim. The effort addresses pressures on paediatric services in Northern Ireland.