Allergic diseases are the most common of chronic health conditions globally. While symptoms for many (such as allergic rhinitis aka ‘hay fever’) may be mild, suffering from them for months and years can have a significant effect on health and quality of life. However, patients may consider their symptoms annoying and not realise there is medication and treatment that can help. In addition, diagnosis of the cause may help patients reduce their exposure to the allergen concerned.
Allergy New Zealand maintains a Medical Panel of New Zealand allergy specialists, nurse practitioners, general practitioners and dietitians. We also work with local and international clinical networks including the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) and the NZ Clinical Immunology and Allergy Group (NZCIAG).
These specialists offer their time and expertise to assist Allergy New Zealand in ensuring our information is up-to-date and evidence-based, and in the development and delivery of our Primary Care Updates, which are endorsed by the RNZCGP for CME points. For more information on these, see the Primary Care Updates page.
We can also assist health professionals to access information and contacts. For information, please email primarycare@allergy.org.nz. Please also see the Resources for Health Professionals page.
Aside from Allergy New Zealand’s Primary Care Allergy Updates, the University of Auckland’s Goodfellow Unit, which provides Continuing Professional Development for general practice and primary care, has a number of modules on allergy topics: Goodfellow Unit
Australian-based courses currently available to NZ health professionals online include ASCIA e-training for Health Professionals.
The Professional Certificate in Allergy Nursing
This online course is offered by the University of South Australia in collaboration with the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) for registered nurses. The course provides an understanding of the role of the allergy nurse, the allergic process and allergic disease and the varying manifestations in both children and adults. For more information, see:
Certificate in Allergy Nursing - Study at UniSA - University of South Australia
The Graduate Certificate in Allergic Diseases
This online course through the University of Western Sydney is designed for medical practitioners seeking advanced theoretical and technical knowledge about immunological and clinical aspects of allergic diseases. The year-long, online program provides students with an in depth understanding of the scientific basis for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with common allergic diseases.
Applications from New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas may be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or directly through the Western Portal.
Graduate Certificate in Allergic Diseases < Western Sydney University