Haematology in Bromley

Haematologists diagnose and provide clinical management for disorders of the blood and bone marrow. A doctor specialising in this field is a Consultant Haematologist.

At The Sloane Hospital in Beckenham, Kent, our experienced Consultant Haematologist provides expert assessment, diagnosis, and management for a wide range of blood disorders and their associated symptoms.

Any type of blood disorder can have a significant impact on your health and quality of life. Indeed, some blood disorders can be life threatening and will need urgent and immediate treatment.

Should you have a suspected blood disorder or condition, it is important to have fast access to an expert for an accurate and reliable assessment and diagnosis.

We would be delighted to help you access the support you need without delay Why not book your private appointment with a Consultant Haematologist today? 

People visit our Consultant for a number of reasons. Some have symptoms that are concerning them, while others have received a diagnosis requiring expert management.

Potential symptoms of a blood disorder include:

• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Swollen lymph glands
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Breathlessness
• Weight loss and night sweats

These symptoms, and others, may be caused by a number of blood disorders, including:

• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Vitamin B12 (folic acid) deficiency anaemia
• Haemolytic anaemia (higher rate of breakdown of red blood cells)
• Congenital anaemia (sickle cell)
• Thalassaemia
• Haemophilia
• Von Willebrand disease (VWD)
• Platelet function disorder
• Clotting factor deficiencies
• Blood clots (DVT and pulmonary embolism)
• Haemochromatosis
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)
• Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)
• Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia (ALL)
• Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)
• Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
• Essential thrombocythemia
• Polycythaemia / erythrocytosis

As can be seen from this (partial) list, haematology as a speciality covers an extremely wide spectrum of complaints and disorders.

Because many of these conditions can cause overlapping symptoms, an accurate diagnosis is crucial in receiving the optimal treatment.

We provide in-patient and outpatient Haematology services at The Sloane Hospital.

If a malignancy (cancer) is diagnosed, a personalised cancer plan will be formulated by a multi-disciplinary team. This treatment plan will be focused on providing you with the best possible treatment and management for your condition and prognosis.

Your Consultant Haematologist will ensure you receive bespoke care, access to the latest treatments, and support that is tailored to your specific needs at every stage.

Chemotherapy is a common form of treatment for many blood disorders. If required, this will be arranged for you and delivered at our sister site, The Blackheath Hospital in London.

Venesection (bloodletting/withdrawal of blood) can be arranged on-site. This is similar way to donating blood and is used for patients who have excess levels of iron in their blood (haemochromatosis).

Vitamin and iron deficiencies can often be effectively managed with oral supplements or an intravenous iron infusion, although a blood transfusion may be required in some cases.

Patients with too many platelets (thrombocythemia) or not enough platelets (thrombocytopenia) may receive medication or a blood transfusion, depending on the exact diagnosis.

If you are experiencing clotting problems, anti-coagulation therapies may be prescribed. These will typically be oral medication. As well as treating existing blood clots, these can help prevent clots forming in the future.

Additional treatments are available. If more advanced or complex approaches are required these may need to be carried out at another site, but your Consultant will retain oversight of your care.

Rest assured, whatever the diagnosis or treatment required, you will be in extremely good hands when you choose The Sloane Hospital for help with any blood health concern.

Although the details below describe a typical in-person haematology appointment, we can also provide remote appointments via telephone or video call.

A private haematology appointment at The Sloane Hospital will normally run for between 30 – 60 minutes. When you visit us, your Consultant will take a detailed medical history and discuss your symptoms with you in detail.

They may ask you questions such as:

• What symptoms do you have?
• How long have you had these symptoms?
• Have they been getting worse?
• Are you currently taking any medication?
• Do you have any underlying health conditions?

This may carry out a physical examination, possibly feeling your lymph nodes to see if the glands are enlarged or swollen.

Different investigations and tests may be required to aid diagnosis. These could include blood tests, X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound scans, all of which can be easily arranged for you.

Some symptoms, such as enlarged or abnormal lymph glands, may require a biopsy (small tissue sample). This will be arranged for you as soon as possible. Bone marrow biopsies and lumbar punctures can also be arranged when needed.

If necessary, further complex tests will be arranged for you at other sites, with your Consultant continuing to oversee each step of your care.

Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, your Consultant will talk things through with you, describing the most appropriate evidence-based treatment plan for you. Treatment will be started as soon as possible.

Whether you have new symptoms causing concern or a treatment plan for a long-term blood disorder you would like reviewed, we can help.

By seeing a Consultant Haematologist at an earlier stage, an accurate diagnosis can be made sooner. If treatment is needed, this will be planned for you to best fit your needs.

Many people are referred to us from your GP or a consultant in another speciality, while others self-refer to avoid long delays and the uncertainties and worry that can cause.

By choosing to visit The Sloane Hospital, you will benefit from:

• Rapid Assessment – Many blood conditions are best treated when diagnosed at the earliest possible stage. If you are experiencing any concerning symptoms, our haematologists can see you for an assessment without delay. It is often possible to see a Consultant Haematologist within 24 hours.
• Consultant Availability – Many blood disorders require swift treatment, so you will appreciate fast, simple access to our Consultant Haematologist. If your symptoms change or your treatments needs adjusting, it is easy to get help.
• Highly experienced - Our Consultant Haematologist is vastly experienced. With over 25 years’ experience in Haematology, he is currently the Clinical Director for Haematology and Cancer at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS hospital, the Principal Investigator of the TACTIC CoVID trial, and the Lead for Research and Development (R&D) in Haematology at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. Heavily involved in research and teaching, you will benefit from his vast experience and his up-to-date knowledge of evidence-based treatments.
• Access to a wider team – Your Consultant works closely with colleagues in other specialities when needed, including oncology, radiology, and anaesthetics. Quick, easy access to other specialists helps ensure you receive the optimal treatment pathway for your needs.
• Location – The hospital is in Beckenham, Kent and conveniently accessible by both road and rail. Our car park is free for patients.

We look forward to welcoming you to The Sloane Hospital and helping you to access the support you need as soon as possible.