Clincal nurse specialist, Amena Warner
Amena Warner is our sole clinical nurse specialist in immunology and allergies, and one of only 108 in the whole country. In fact, the small team based at St Helier is responsible for the investigation and management of allergies for the whole of southwest London.
Amena, who has worked at our hospitals for almost 20 years, is responsible for patients referred to the immunodeficiency service from within our hospitals or through local GP services.
She said: "Like many here, I love nursing and genuinely believe in what I do. In immunology I feel like I found my niche - I enjoy the challenge of working with patients who have complex immunodeficiency problems, and the patients themselves.
"On top of that, it's an exciting area to work in as it's a relatively new and emerging field of medicine."
We caught up with Amena during a very busy time of year, as two seasonal allergies - hayfever and wasp and bee stings - are in full swing during the warmer months. Both of these allergies, in the worst circumstances, can have serious consequences for the sufferer.
Amena said: "A person who suffers an anaphylactic reaction to an insect sting will certainly require attention in A&E, and may have to be admitted to an intensive care unit.
"Severe reactions can cause breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness or cardiac arrest. Between six to ten deaths each year in the UK are directly attributable to bee or wasp stings.
"Summer's also an unpleasant time of year for those suffering with hay fever. For most people it means itchy eyes and ears, a runny nose, and uncontrollable sneezing."
Allergy diagnosis forms a significant part of Amena's role, and the immunodeficiency team offer a comprehensive service in this area, covering everything from adverse reactions to anaesthetic and penicillin to nut or milk allergies. Once diagnosed, the next step is prescribing appropriate treatment.
Amena added: "Some of these treatments can take time - the desensitisation programme for wasp stings lasts over three years. That said, so many of our patients feel it is time well spent, as many with severe allergies live in fear of coming into contact with whatever triggers their reactions.
"Subsequently, people can become prisoners of their own fears. One of the most rewarding things I do is to help individuals to deal and control their allergies, so improving their quality of life."
