The Dietetic Department has created a new cow’s milk protein allergy pathway.

It’s designed to manage young children within primary care who have mild to moderate symptoms caused by their allergy.

Paediatric dietitian Kathryn Kerr said: “Many professionals seek advice and support in managing infants under their care. There is also significant variability in knowledge of the condition and advice given.

“Nearly half of parents say they have waited 10 weeks and had four visits to primary care providers before a diagnosis is confirmed. Around 45 per cent of patients are referred to secondary care for diagnosis.

“Our pathway gives health visitors and GPs information to confidently identify, assess and diagnose a cow’s milk protein allergy.

“It aims to cut the time from symptoms emerging to diagnosis and reduce the number of young children requiring referral to secondary care for diagnosis and treatment. It is also hoped it will reduce the number of infants who develop a feeding aversion as a result of ongoing symptoms due to delayed diagnosis.

“It will allow for quicker diagnosis and provide health visitors and GPs with information to treat and manage the allergy from diagnosis through to the reintroduction of milk protein to the diet.”