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Haematological disorders

Belfast Trust is the regional centre for the treatment of acute leukaemia. We also provide specialist clinical haematology services for adults across Northern Ireland.

At Belfast City Hospital, an extensive range of investigations and treatments are provided for both non-cancerous and cancerous blood conditions.  We also offer support and advice for people in the community with haematological disorders.

The Haematology Unit is located in the Bridgewater Suite (C Floor) and Ward 10 North of Belfast City Hospital. These units specialise in caring for people with different blood disorders.

The Northern Ireland Haemophilia Centre is also based on C Floor and the Warfarin Clinic is located in the Outpatients Department.

  • Types

    The Haematology Unit in Belfast City Hospital provides diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the blood and lymph nodes, including:

     

    There are also a range of non-cancerous disorders treated within the Haematology Unit.

  • Referral

    If you have symptoms of a haematological disorder, your GP will refer you to a Consultant Haematologist in Belfast City Hospital.

    You will receive correspondence from the hospital offering an appointment or be directly admitted to Ward 10 North.

    Your appointment will take place in the Bridgewater Suite. The consultant will probably carry out an examination and order diagnostic tests.

    These tests are necessary to get a clear understanding of your symptoms.

  • Investigations and diagnosis

    Each patient referred to the Haematology Unit will have different signs, symptoms and health circumstances. Therefore, investigation tests will vary for each patient.

    It may take time for a diagnosis to be established.

    Tests include:

  • Multi-disciplinary team

    Diagnosing and treating cancerous and non-cancerous haematological conditions requires a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) of experts with different skills and training.

    The Haematology Specialist Team meets twice a week – once to discuss patients who are diagnosed with a lymphoma or myeloma and once to discuss patients who are diagnosed with leukaemia and other haematological disorders.

    These meetings are important to establish accurate diagnoses and develop the best treatment plans for patients. A record of any discussion is sent to the patient’s GP.

    Our Haematology Specialist Team includes:

    • Consultant Haematologists: Doctors who are experts in cancerous and non-cancerous haematological conditions. They will be involved in the management and treatment of your condition from diagnosis onwards.
    • Nursing staff: Nurses who have specialist skills in the care of haematological disorders.
    • Consultant Radiologists: Doctors who are experts in carrying out and interpreting x-rays and scans such as CT and MRI scans.
    • Clinical Nurse Specialists: Their roles include education, support and ongoing assessment of patients. They also provide nurse-led services.
    • Consultant Pathologists: Doctors who are experts at looking at tissue samples taken from patients during procedures such as bone marrow tests.
    • Biomedical Scientists: Scientists who test blood samples, carry out diagnostic investigations and prepare blood for transfusion.
    • Pharmacists: Pharmacists ensure the safe supply and use of medicines by patients.
    • Transplant Coordinator: They provide support for staff, patients and their relatives regarding bone marrow transplants.
    • Allied Health Professionals (AHPs): These include social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech and language therapists who are available to support patients before, during and after their treatment.
    • Admin team: The admin team manages appointments, referrals and patient notes.
  • Treatment

    Your treatment will depend on your diagnosis and any other health conditions you may have. It will be agreed between you and your consultant.

    The treatment options for haematological disorders include:

    Consent

    You will be asked to sign a consent form before treatment. No medical treatment can be given without patient consent.

    It is important that you read and understand this form before signing it.

  • Follow-up

    After your treatment is complete, you will be asked to return to the hospital for follow-up appointments.

    These review appointments allow us to check the progress of your recovery. They are also an opportunity for you to discuss any concerns you may have.

    If you have any problems or notice any new symptoms in between review appointments, contact your GP or specialist doctor.

    Macmillan has a range of information to support you after your treatment.

  • Useful links

    Leukaemia

    Lymphoma 

    Myeloma

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