About Me

As an expert in Paediatric Allergy I have extensive knowledge of   food allergy, gastrointestinal allergy, allergic rhinitis, eczema and allergic asthma, applied research, presenting and teaching skills acquired over 35 years both in the public and private sector.

Every day in my paediatric allergy clinic, I see the distressing impact of allergic diseases on the quality of life of children and their families.  Seeing a private allergy specialist is an option where you do not need a referral from your GP, nor will you have to wait long for your child to be seen. I am an experienced allergy specialist and see children and young people with a variety of problems linked to Allergic Disease. Appointments in my private clinic are easy to arrange and offer a relaxed atmosphere.

I will provide you and your child with expert consultation in a timely manner that will help to alleviate your worry. The same knowledge, personalised care and experience I apply in my daily NHS clinics will be delivered to you and your child - without the long wait.

I aim to find the cause of the problem and treat your child’s symptoms. I will always take time to talk to you and your child about their symptoms and explain how allergy works, so you can understand what is happening and how to make them better. I always provide detailed allergy information and a plan on the day if appropriate so you feel confident and informed.  
 
After each consultation you will receive  a detailed letter outlining our discussion, any test results and an allergy management plan.

Training & Qualifications

I hold an MHSc in Health Science, MSc in Allergy, NMP (qualification as an Independent Prescriber at Masters level), ENB award in mentorship and teaching and a BSc in Paediatric Nursing.
 
I qualified in Paediatric Nursing from the Medical College of Sofia in 1985 and in 1993 completed a specialist degree in Paediatric Nursing  with distinction in Paediatric Internal Diseases, Surgery and Public Health. In 2003, I also gained a Bachelor's of Nursing Award from the University of Dundee before completing my Advanced Clinical Practice qualifications (MHSc) at the University of Leeds.
 
My passion for Paediatric allergy led me to qualify with merit for my MSc in Allergy at the University of Southampton in 2019, completing dedicated modules on Foundation of Allergic Diseases, Food Allergy, Allergic Airways Diseases, Eczema, Urticaria and Anaphylaxis.

Current NHS Work

I currently run multidisciplinary allergy clinics as a paediatric allergy nurse consultant at Sandwell  & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust with over 34 years of experience working in paediatrics in both the NHS and private sector. 

Before moving to join the Allergy team at Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals I set up the Allergy Service at Birmingham Women’s & Children’s Hospital helping over 7,000 children and young people and, their families during this time. 
 
I am proud to work at a consultant level in a service that leads to a modern approach to the management of allergic diseases. I teach and present nationally and internationally, showcasing the clinic's service achievements and presenting my work - most specifically on cow’s milk allergy which is one of my specific interests in allergy.
 
I hold weekly specialist baby clinics where I see infants and their parents with concerns about potential milk allergy and also take referrals from emergency departments, general practitioners or colleagues from other specialities. I am passionate about educating the wider community about paediatric allergy and have regular local and regional teaching sessions open to all general practitioners, practice nurses, teachers and nursery staff.
 
I am APLS (Advanced Paediatric Life Support) trained and maintain my status to ensure safe practice. Anaphylaxis training is a part of APLS and as a specialist in allergy, I have a regular teaching programme for nurses and junior doctors. I am recognised as an expert in paediatric allergy and been invited to deliver anaphylaxis training at the West Midlands regional teaching days and for Allergy UK events.  

Allergy Research

​Research is a major part of my work. The most recent study I have completed was on the successful home introduction of baked milk to children with cow’s milk protein allergy in line with national guideline (BSACI 2014). I presented the preliminary data internationally at the European Allergy and Clinical Immunology Congress in Munich 2018, that raised great interest in our work (Ivanova A, North J, Karanam S, Atkinson M, Li K, Makwana N.  Audit of Introduction of Baked Milk to Cow’s Milk Allergic Children).  EAACI.  Munich, Germany. 2018). The study was submitted to University of Southampton as a MSc dissertation in July 2019 and I received a mark with merit.