The Clinical Haematology team

The Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialist team are a group of nurses who provide expert advice and support to patients and their families who have a haematological diagnosis.

The haematology service treat both malignant and non-malignant blood conditions including acute and chronic leukaemia’s, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, myeloproliferative disorders and anaemia.

• Lesley Candlin

My role is to support you and your family throughout the transplant process. There are three types of stem cell transplants:

Allogeneic This is where cells are collected from matched donor and returned to the patient following high dose chemotherapy. This transplant type is used to treat some types of AML, ALL, MDS and CMML.

Autologous This type of transplant is where your own cells are harvested and given back to you following high dose chemotherapy. Autologous transplants are used to treat myeloma and some types of lymphoma.

CAR-T This is a new type of transplant, where T-cells are collected from patients and programmed to recognise specific cancer cells as a virus. This means the T-cells will ‘attack’ any of specific cancer cells, as they would a virus. Currently, this is used to treat some relapsed ALL and lymphomas, but trials are ongoing.

All transplant types are carried out at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham and we aim to repatriate autologous patients to Laurel 3 for recovery once their cells have been returned. I liaise closely with my colleagues in Clinical Haematology at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, our local Transplant Centre, with an aim to provide you with seamless care and transition between the two sites.

I understand how difficult this period can be for both patients and families. Please be reassured that you can call me to either make a face-to-face appointment or discuss any concerns you have over the telephone, whichever you are more comfortable with. I am also contactable via email ([email protected]) or through switchboard (01905 763333) and ask for me.

I work Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

Useful links: Anthony Nolan: How to Become a Donor (and other info) DMKS: How to Become a Donor (and other info) NHS Stem Cell Transplant Information Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Video (Myeloma UK) Leukaemia Care: Sibling Donor Experience Blood Cancer UK: CAR-T Therapy

• Sam Toland