Meet the team
Our professional experience and qualifications
Professor Nick Makwana
Professor Nick Makwana is a Consultant Paediatric Allergist with extensive expertise in general paediatrics, neonatal care, and allergy management. He graduated with distinction from the University of Birmingham in 1996, earning multiple honours before completing specialist paediatric training and obtaining his MRCPCH. He later completed an MD in research on Meningococcal Disease, with findings published internationally.
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Since joining Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospital in 2007, Professor Nick has expanded its paediatric allergy service, now managing over 3,000 patients annually. He has played a key role in improving regional allergy care, previously chairing the Midlands Paediatric Allergy Group and the Paediatric Allergy Committee of the British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI). He works to enhance allergy care standards for children across the UK, and is a key author of the national guideline for the delivery of Palforzia.
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Professor Nick has a strong commitment to medical education, holding an Honorary Professorship at the University of Birmingham. He teaches at local, national, and international levels and has been recognised as a certified European Paediatric Allergist by the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI).
Consultant Aneta Ivanova
Aneta Ivanova is a highly experienced Nurse Consultant specialising in paediatric allergy, with over 35 years of experience in healthcare. She holds a Master’s Degree in Health Science (Advanced Practice) from the University of Leeds and a Master’s Degree in Allergy from the University of Southampton.
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At Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, she leads weekly allergy clinics, providing expert care to approximately 1,500 children each year. As one of only four Paediatric Allergy Nurse Consultants in the NHS in England—alongside specialists in London, Liverpool, and Newcastle—she plays a vital role in delivering high-quality allergy services to children from infancy to adolescence.
​Aneta has extensive expertise in food allergy, gastrointestinal allergy, allergic rhinitis, eczema, and allergic asthma. With a strong background in applied research, teaching, and presenting, she has contributed significantly to both public and private healthcare sectors. Her dedication to advancing paediatric allergy care continues to influence clinical practice and education at regional and national levels.​
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Our team of expert, highly-qualified nurses
The Paediatric Allergy and Immunity Clinic in Birmingham is supported by a team of highly qualified and experienced nurses dedicated to providing exceptional care for children with allergic conditions. Each nurse brings a wealth of experience and specialised expertise in diagnosing, managing, and educating families about a wide range of allergies, including food allergies, eczema, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and gastrointestinal allergies. Their commitment to patient-centred care ensures that every child receives tailored support, from initial assessment to long-term management.
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In addition to their clinical roles, the nursing team plays a crucial part in patient education, empowering families with the knowledge and confidence to manage allergies confidently and effectively. They're actively involved in applied research, service development, and professional training, contributing to the continuous improvement of paediatric allergy care. Their care and expertise makes them an integral part of the multidisciplinary team, making sure that children receive the highest standard of allergy care in clinical settings.
