Cork hospital hosts ground-breaking allergy treatment initiative for children

Children from across Ireland gathered recently at Cork University Hospital (CUH) for access to a ground-breaking paediatric allergy treatment initiative hosted by HSE South West.

Around 40 children and young people from across the country attended the Seahorse day unit for oral immunotherapy, a treatment that helps children with food allergies build tolerance to foods that can trigger serious allergic reactions.

The treatment has the potential to transform the lives of children and families living with food allergies, reducing the constant fear of a serious reaction during day to day life.

Young patients from Cork, Dublin, Waterford, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Kildare, Portlaoise, Roscommon, Wexford and Galway were seen and treated at CUH.

To celebrate the nationwide spirit of the day, families were invited to colour in their county flags while they waited.

Professor Juan Trujillo, consultant paediatrician and paediatric allergy specialist at CUH and University College Cork, said since May 2025 CUH has been at the forefront of clinical excellence through the delivery of the oral immunotherapy programme.

“This initiative represents a significant step forward in our national healthcare landscape, as the hospital continues to expand its capacity and refine pathways for patients living with food allergies,” Prof Trujillo added.