Compass Immunology Clinic

Invitation to participate in food allergy prevention focus group sessions

The National Allergy Council will be hosting online focus (discussion) group sessions in July 2024.

Who are we looking for? We invite you to register your interest to participate in our research study if you:
have a young infant (up to 10 months old) and have a family history of allergy, or
have a child with food allergy and are pregnant or are planning to have another child, or
are a health professional who provides advice to parents about infant feeding.

Food allergy prevention project focus group sessions - National Allergy Council KABAM – Allergy survey for teens and young adults

Did you know climate change may be directly affecting your health? Although we are enjoying these cool Brisbane evenings, overall Brisbane has seen a rise in mean temperature over the last decade. High temperatures cause more intense pollen levels, and dust mites also thrive in warm humid environments. This means an increased number of people suffering from allergic rhinitis (hayfever) and asthma. https://www.annallergy.org/action/showPdf?pii=S1081-1206%2823%2901219-X

We are seeking an experienced Registered Nurse for a full-time or part-time position. Please share with someone who would be a great fit for our friendly team https://www.seek.com.au/job/76247873?ref=direct-share-hirer-jobs-list

We are delighted to welcome Dr Ravi Widanapathirana MBBS, FRACP – Clinical Immunologist and Allergist.

Ravi is a Queensland trained doctor and immunologist, interested in helping patients through their journey of allergy, immunodeficiency and autoimmune disease. He grew up in central and north Queensland, graduating from James Cook University in 2014 awarded with an academic medal. Ravi completed specialist training at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Greenslopes Private Hospital. Outside of work, he enjoys adventures with his young family, dabbling in birdwatching and spending hours at the art galleries.

Your story is the most important thing to him. As he explains, "I can help you navigate through the complexity of immunological disease. I can see the big picture amongst all the blood tests, previous opinions and things you’ve read about online." Ravi will be working across our Brisbane clinics and currently has short waiting times.

Christmas and New Year Holiday Closure

Compass Immunology Clinic is closing Friday the 22nd of December at 12pm. We reopen Tuesday the 2nd of January at 8am.

During the holiday break our phones and email are not monitored. If you require medical assistance in this period please see your GP, and for any urgent or emergency health problems please seek urgent care from the ambulance and your local hospital.

Best wishes from the Compass Immunology Clinic team for a joyous, healthy and safe holiday season.

We are expanding!
Our new clinic at Upper Mt Gravatt will open January 2024.
This will be located in the Mt Gravatt Medical Precinct at 1808 Logan Road providing easy access and parking.

Information for patients and families wishing to transfer their care from Allergy Medical Group (AMG).

We are aware that Allergy Medical Group is discontinuing clinical services from Friday 29th of September. If you are a patient or caregiver wishing to transfer care to an Allergist at Compass Immunology Clinics, could you please consider the following:

Please follow any information you have been provided by AMG to obtain a copy of your clinical record, and to obtain your allergen immunotherapy kit if relevant. Please see the AMG website: Important Notice: Closure of Allergy Medical Group https://allergymedicalgroup.com.au/

Please see your GP to discuss your health care situation, and and if recommended, obtain a referral to one of Compass Immunology Clinic’s Allergists.

Please contact us to arrange an appointment. We anticipate that our telephone lines may be very busy over this period, so we recommend you initially submit your request and information via our online form at: https://form.jotform.com/222647110163042 Please mention in your submission that you have been a patient of AMG. We will then be able to get in contact with you to arrange a suitable appointment.

New Patient Inquiry Please click the link to complete this form.

Our online bookings are perfect to arrange your next immunotherapy injections with our lovely nurses https://compass.clinic/book-online/

We are looking for an enthusiastic person to join our team helping with our communication lines and operational tasks. We provide full training in a supportive environment with scope for career progression. Please apply through this link

Junior Medical Administration Assistant Job in Brisbane QLD Exciting opportunity for a Junior Medical Administration Assistant to join our team!

If Your EpiPen Gets Hot, It May Fail

EpiPens sometimes get left in less-than-ideal places, like a vehicle. A hot car is like an oven, with temperatures reaching above 90 degrees and that can cause big problems for adrenaline auto-injectors.

Adrenaline auto-injectors are meant to be stored between 20 and 25 degrees, which is roughly room temperature. A study found that 84% of EpiPens left in a hot car for 8 hours were damaged by the heat.

Heated-then-cooled adrenaline auto-injectors may become difficult to remove from their carrier tubes. The firing mechanism may be delayed or fail, and the amount of adrenaline released from heated EpiPens can be less than EpiPens kept within safe temperature range.

If your EpiPen has been left in a hot car, please speak with your GP or Immunologist to request a new one.

Always remember to take your adrenaline autoinjector with you.

Reference: https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(19)32561-8/fulltext.

Global Access to Psychological Services for Food Allergy (GAPS)
Please take part in an international study on Global Access to Psychological Services for Food Allergy (GAPS). They are looking for parents or caregivers of children with food allergy or adults with food allergy to take part in paid online interviews.

Climate Change Worsens Allergies.
This World Allergy Week addresses this escalating crisis https://www.worldallergy.org/resources/world-allergy/world-allergy-week-2023

Do you care for a child with food allergy? Watch this Emergency Management of Anaphylaxis webinar to learn about ASCIA Action Plans, recognising allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, how to give adrenaline injectors and a Q&A session with an expert panel.

Watch now: https://ow.ly/iRvh50ONVxy

Are you an RN looking for a wonderful new opportunity?

There are exciting opportunities to join us in this dynamic field of allergy and immunology care.


The Role

Currently we are seeking Registered Nurses for permanent part-time or full-time positions to work 2 to 5 days a week (32 to 76 hours per fortnight), with hours negotiable. The role will be situated at our Grange and Greenslopes clinics.

As a nurse in our practice, you will be responsible for:

Subcutaneous immunotherapy injections

Initiation of sublingual immunotherapy

Xolair and Dupixent injections

Intradermal drug allergy testing

Food challenges

Patch testing

Spirometry and asthma care

Patient education and advice for eczema, rhinitis, asthma, food allergy etc.

Stock control

Compass Immunology Clinics offer:

Modern medical facility

On the job training in a supportive team environment

Professional development opportunities

Family-friendly hours

No weekend or night shift work

Uniform and PPE as required

You

You are:

Registered with AHPRA and authorized to work in Australia as a qualified RN

keen to up-skill and maintain current best practice clinical care

experienced with managing acute medical emergencies including anaphylaxis

able to work collaboratively as well as independently

have proven competence in patient assessment and time critical clinical judgement

competent with identifying and managing deteriorating patients

effective and timely in communication within a team and with patients

comfortable with children and have some paediatric nursing experience ideally

customer focused and ensure patient care as the top priority

a pro-active person who continuously seeks ways to improve and streamline processes

possessing attention to detail with a continuous focus on patient safety

a dedicated team player who positively contributes to the work culture

approachable, reliable, and dependable

willing to go the extra mile when required

holding a driver’s license

Paediatric and/or Emergency Department experience will be highly regarded.




Leaders in Immunology and Allergy Care

Compass Immunology Clinic represents the largest collaboration of specialist Immunologist and Allergists, GP Allergists, Allied Health, and Nurses within Australia. We pride ourselves on our cohesive supportive team culture and the high level of personalized care provided. We have two primary locations, Greenslopes and Grange in Brisbane, as well as two satellite clinics in Toowoomba and Sunshine Coast.


We will provide all training in specialized immunology and allergy procedures as needed for the individual selected.

The health and happiness of our patients are at the forefront of everything we do. We strive every day to exceed patient expectations and our main aim is to deliver the highest standard of care and utmost peace of mind.

Our people are the pride of our clinics. Our team consists of handpicked staff who share our core values: Passionate about Improving Lives – Excellence in Patient Experience – Sharing Knowledge to Make a Difference – One Enthusiastic team.

To learn more about us visit https://www.compass.clinic

Please direct all applications responses with attached resumes and referee details to [email protected]

Compass Immunology Clinic – Compass Immunology Clinic Queensland’s largest and only comprehensive private clinic for Immunology and Allergy careBook Online Allergy and Immunology We provide expert care for all allergic and immunological disorders – accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment.Book Online Paediatrics and Child HealthOur goal is to ...

📣 Calling parents of children with food allergies!

The University of Queensland is now recruiting for a research study looking at feeding characteristics and behaviours in young children with food allergies. You are invited to participate so that they can hear the perspectives of parents who are currently (or who have previously) navigated this journey with their children.

❓ What is the purpose of this study?
To explore the concerns, issues, and care needs, parents of children with food allergies and feeding behaviours have, what kind of help is available for them and what might be missing in the current support networks for these families.

❓ What’s involved?
30mins of your time to complete an interview – online with one of the investigators.

📥 Interested? Contact:
Jennifer Kefford, PhD Candidate, Speech Pathologist. The University of Queensland.
[email protected]

This study has ethics approval through The University of Queensland reference no: 2022/HE000249

Preventing Covid infections is always worth the effort

Australia Chooses to Prevent We face a choice: continue to ignore deaths from COVID-19 or prevent them. In collaboration with OzSAGE, we call on the Australian government to act urgently...

Are you a school aged teen (aged 10-18) living with severe allergy? We are hosting a FREE Allergy 250K youth camp on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland from Saturday 11 March to Sunday 12 March 2023! The overnight camp will be located approximately 1 hour north of the Brisbane CBD. There is also the option to attend on Saturday only.

There will be a range of team outdoor activities where you will develop new skills and make new friends. We will also run allergy information sessions hosted by health professionals. For more information visit: https://www.nationalallergystrategy.org.au/news/allergy-250k-camp-sunshine-coast-march

If you would like to participate, please contact Sandra Vale, National Allergy Council Manager, [email protected] by Friday 17 February. Places are limited, so please register early.

To see highlights from previous camps visit: https://allergy250kteens.org.au/youth-camps/

Receptionists Wanted!
Come join our team!
Experience is appreciated but not necessary.
Our busy clinics have an opportunity for an organised, enthusiastic & well-presented Medical Receptionist.
Part-time or full-time positions available.
The successful applicant must:
- Have received Covid vaccines
- Be able to work at both Greenslopes and Grange clinics
- Be well presented, mature and have a solid work ethic
- Have an eye for attention to detail
- Be able to work in a team environment and independently
If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!
Please include your availability Monday to Friday in your cover letter.
Wage dependent on level of experience.
Email [email protected] to apply or for further information

Compass Immunology Clinic – Compass Immunology Clinic Queensland’s largest and only comprehensive private clinic for Immunology and Allergy careBook Online Allergy and Immunology We provide expert care for all allergic and immunological disorders – accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment.Book Online Paediatrics and Child HealthOur goal is to ...

Receptionist Wanted! Come join our team!
No experience necessary.
Our busy clinics have an opportunity for an organised, enthusiastic & well-presented Medical Receptionist. Part-time or full-time
The successful applicant must:
- Have received at least 2 Covid vaccines
- Be able to work at both Greenslopes and Grange clinics
- Be well presented, mature and have a solid work ethic
- Have an eye for attention to detail
- Be able to work in a team environment and independently
If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!
Please include your availability Monday to Friday in your cover letter.
Wage dependent on level of experience.
Email [email protected] to apply or for further information

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We're looking for a nurse to join our lovely team!

Compass Immunology Clinics are the premier provider of private Immunology and Allergy care in Queensland. We have a large cohesive supportive team with 16 Clinicians, 9 Reception staff, 4 Registered Nurses and a full-time Practice Manager and Operations Manager.

Currently we are seeking a Registered Nurse to work 40-50 hours per fortnight plus sick and annual leave coverage. The role will be based in our Greenslopes clinic and Grange clinic.

As a nurse in our practice, you will be responsible for:
• Subcutaneous immunotherapy injections
• Initiation of sublingual immunotherapy
• Xolair injections
• Intradermal drug allergy testing
• Food challenges
• Patch testing
• Spirometry and asthma care
• Patient education and advice for eczema, rhinitis, asthma, food allergy etc
• Stock control

Compass Immunology Clinics offer:
• Modern medical facility
• On the job training in a supportive environment
• Uniform and PPE as required

You are:
• a qualified RN
• able to pick up sick leave coverage shifts at short notice
• keen to learn new skills
• experienced with managing acute medical emergencies including anaphylaxis
• comfortable with children and have some paediatric nursing experience ideally
• customer focused and make patient care the top priority
• a proactive person who continuously seeks ways to improve and streamline processes
• possessing attention to detail with a continuous focus on patient safety
• a strong team player who positively contributes to work culture
• approachable, reliable, and dependable
• willing to go the extra mile when required
• holding a driver’s license
• authorised to work in Australia

Please email [email protected] with your expression of interest and CV.

Have you, or your child, been struggling with emotions or coping with health worries?

Sabrina, our lovely psychologist, has recently commenced with our team and is working at our Grange clinic on Fridays. There are appointments available this week.

Sabrina has been a psychologist for more than 10 years working across a range of settings including hospitals (children, maternity, and adult) and private practice. Her areas of interests including: allergy/health-related anxiety and depression, anxiety and depression, parental adjustment and transitioning/parenting support, adjustment difficulties related to health diagnosis.

Please email our [email protected] if you would like to arrange an appointment

We understand many people are having trouble contacting us by telephone.
We are currently experiencing technical faults with our phone system and the best point of contact is via the reception email ([email protected]) or for new patients, the new patient inquiries form https://form.jotform.com/222647110163042

Allergen immunotherapy is a proven effective treatment for environmental allergies. It actually changes how your immune system responds as a long-term solution for allergies. The right diagnosis and accurate selection of appropriate immunotherapy is essential for success.

I’m considering allergen immunotherapy for my hay fever. What do I need to know? It’s a long-term treatment – people having allergen immunotherapy typically notice improved symptoms after six to 12 months.

How we treat Chronic Urticaria (Hives)

Chronic urticaria (hives) is a frustrating and intrusive condition for patients who experience hives as frequently as daily. This condition causes mild to severe itch, and unpleasant skin lesions. It can affect all aspects of daily life including work, study, exercise and sleep. Chronic urticaria is any form of hives that has persisted for more than six weeks, and in some patients it may persist for months or years.

There are many types of chronic urticaria, including cholinergic urticaria, physical urticaria, and spontaneous urticaria. We manage these with a best practice evidence-based approach, including accurate diagnosis, assessment for co-existing or contributing conditions, and patient-centered medication therapy. New treatments include the medication omalizumab (Xolair), which is a highly effective and well-tolerated once-a-month injection that controls urticaria by suppressing histamine release. Omalizumab is listed on the PBS for the treatment of severe chronic urticaria and can only be prescribed by appropriate medical specialists.

Did you know there is Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT) for severe allergic rhinitis (hay fever)? 🐝

It has been used for over 100 years and is a proven treatment providing long-term relief for allergic rhinitis. You can view a webinar on our website with Professor Connie Katelaris, who shares information on allergen immunotherapy.

Watch the webinar here: http://ow.ly/JA3G50Ku10G

New psychologist at our Compass Kids Clinic.

We are delighted to welcome Sabrina Yang. Sabrina is a Brisbane based Educational and Developmental Psychologist who has worked with children and adults of all ages for more than 10 years. Sabrina has practiced across a range of settings including public hospitals (Children, Maternity, and Adult), private clinics, and education. She is experienced in working with individuals across the lifespan in managing a range of emotional and psychological concerns.

Sabrina is passionate about supporting individuals through the challenges of life. Area of interests for Sabrina including allergy-related anxiety, health-related anxiety and depression, parental adjustment and transitioning through stages of a child’s development, adjustment difficulties related to health diagnosis, and the connection between physical health and emotional distress. Sabrina is also passionate about supporting individuals with difficulties in emotional regulation, social relationship and communication. Furthermore, she has personal experience of managing allergies and anaphylaxis with her own family.

Sabrina’s therapeutic approach is warm, collaborative and evidence-based. She predominantly utilises interventions based on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), attachment-based intervention, brief psychotherapy, strength based approach, to support her patients to reach their individual goals.

Sabrina will be working Friday mornings at our clinic at 1 Daisy Street, Grange.

To book, please call 07 3394 9500

The National Allergy Centre of Excellence (NACE) https://www.nace.org.au/ was launched last month. There is now a directory of research studies where people with allergic disease can express their interest in participation

As well as our own peer support meeting this Saturday, eczema.support/13Aug22, we would also like to share with you an invitation to an online education session next Wednesday on "Psychological aspects of atopic eczema" held by our friends through the Department of Dermatology at Eastern Health. Please find attached an event flyer for your information. Registration is free and via the following link: https://easternhealtheczemaschool.eventbrite.com.au

Are you worried or confused about giving your baby the best start with solids? Our wonderful dietitian, Jillian Dimock, has special sessions to help you navigate this!

If you are raising a little one with a cow’s milk allergy or breastfeeding a child with a cow’s milk allergy it can be challenging to make sure you are meeting calcium requirements.

Recommended daily intakes for calcium are:

- 1-3 years: 500mg

- 4-8 years: 700mg

- 9-11 years: 1000mg

- 12-18 years: 1300mg

- Breastfeeding mums: 1000mg

To help you or your child meet the daily intake target, try incorporating a variety of the following foods.

GOOD SOURCES

- Calcium fortified plant-based milk (1 cup = 250mg)

- Firm tofu, made with a calcium firming agent (100g = 320mg)

- Tinned salmon or sardines with bones (1 small tin = ~250mg depending on brand). John West Calcium-enriched tuna has 800-1000mg per tin, depending on the flavour!

LOWER SOURCES

- Chia seeds (2 tsp = 45mg)

- Tahini (1bsp = 65mg)

- Almonds (30g = 80mg) – for younger children use almond butter

- Dried figs (2 fruit = 80mg)

- Chickpeas (1 cup = 80mg)

It can be tricky to meet these daily targets. Make an appointment with our allergy Dietitian if you are struggling to reach their quota. We can give you tips to make it achievable depending on your child’s preferences.