Haematology

Our haematology department prides itself on providing a personal, consultant-led service, and the patient feedback on their experience is very positive. The team investigates and manages a wide range of haematological disorders including:

General Haematology

• Anaemias
• Thrombocytopenias
• Leucopenias
• Haemoglobinopathies
• Disorders of coagulation and thrombosis

Malignant haematology

• Lymphomas
• Chronic leukaemias
• Myeloproliferative disorders
• Supportive care for acute leukaemias

The team is fully integrated with other hospital services to provide a comprehensive treatment package. They work particularly closely with Oncology, Palliative Care, Histology, Radiology and Surgery. This close relationship allows for rapid diagnostic investigations and treatment and excellent palliative care support. The haematology team is part of the West London Cancer Network and works very closely with the haematology team at Hammersmith Hospital.

The waiting times for consultation and treatment are very short and urgent patients will be seen within 2 weeks if appropriate.

The following outpatient clinics are offered:

• 4 consultant-led haematology clinics per week (includes haematological oncology)
• Anticoagulant dosing clinics

The team also has rapid access to the Medical Day Unit for chemotherapy, transfusions and other treatments, and have a dedicated ward for patients with haematological malignancies

Consultants & key staff

Dr Francis Matthey FRCP, FRCPath—Consultant Haematologist
Dr Francis Matthey joined Chelsea and Westminster in December 2006. Previous to this, Dr Matthey spent 16 years as a consultant at the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust where he set up the hospital's clinical haematology service and held a number of medical managerial positions, including that of Medical Director.

Dr Helen Yarranton MRCP, FRCPath—Consultant Haematologist
Dr Helen Yarranton joined Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in November 2006, having previously worked as a consultant at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust, where she was clinical lead for Haematology.

Kate Shaw—Haematological Oncology Specialist Nurse
Kate was the first nurse to be appointed to this new post. She has previously worked in the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in the medical day unit and chemotherapy support.

General Haematology Clinics

We run four outpatient clinics per week for general and malignant haematology.

Anticoagulant Clinics

All patients new to the anticoagulant service are seen in the new patients' clinic by an anticoagulant nurse and are counselled. Most patients will have already been commenced on warfarin (those with acute venous thromboembolism), however a few (e.g. prophylaxis for atrial fibrillation) will be initiated in the new patient anticoagulation clinic.

There are 2 follow up anticoagulant clinics per week. The patient has a finger prick blood test and then sees an anticoagulant nurse, Haematology SpR, or one of the junior doctors for their warfarin dose.

An anticoagulant nurse runs the anticoagulant service which is supervised by Dr Helen Yarranton.

Patient Information

Almost all patients coming to the Haematology Clinic will have a blood test before they see the doctor. The patient is advised to attend 30 minutes before their appointment (but not before 8:45am for 9am appointments). Patients should bring a list of their medication.

Contact Details

A member of the haematology team is always available to answer any queries or concerns from patients.

• For general queries please contact Tom Bewes (Haematology Secretary) on 020 3315 8211
• Kate Shaw (Haematology/Oncology Specialist Nurse): 020 3315 8281, bleep 1424