The UCLH Cancer Centre (bottom right) seen from University College Hospital T16
Photo: Daniela Sbrisny (HCC Photographer in Residence)
University College London Hospitals houses one of the largest blood condition treatment centres in Europe
The haematology unit at UCLH is a centre of excellence in the treatment and care of patients with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, sickle cell, thalassaemia and other haematology conditions.
UCLH is also a specialist hospital for treatment of blood cancers in the UK. Its close association with the Department of Haematology at the UCL Cancer Institute, with the majority of consultants involved in research programmes there, ensures that new treatments reach patients as quickly as possible.
The service comprises six in-patient wards, daycare, ambulatory care, young adult, and outpatient services. Services are based at University College Hospital, UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre, and the Grafton Way Building.
The UCLH Haematology Department, June 2024
Photo: Daniela Sbrisny (HCC Photographer in Residence)
Haematological Cancers
Haematological, or blood cancer, is the 5th most common cancer in the UK. It is also one of the most debilitating cancers, requiring highly intensive and specialist treatments.
At UCLH, these include outpatient and inpatient chemotherapy, bone marrow and stem cell transplants, and cutting-edge immunotherapies such as CAR-T therapies. A full range of supportive care is also offered to patients, including complementary therapies.
Haematological Disorders
The haematology service at UCLH provides world-leading treatments and research for chronic haematological disorders such as sickle cell disease and thalassaemia.
For example, UCLH is one of the first hospitals in the country to introduce the new treatment option for sickle cell patients, Crizanlizumab. Crizanlizumab is the first new treatment in over 20 years for people living with sickle cell.
A state of the art complex
Such intensive, specialist treatments need first-class facilities. We are fortunate at UCLH to have the Grafton Way Building (GWB), providing 100 inpatient haematology beds.
This building, opened by then-Prince Charles, sits next door to the UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre, for daycare-based treatments, and opposite the Cancer Institute, where novel and leading research is initiated and transformed into cancer treatments in a ‘lab to bedside’ model of care.
Research
Thanks to close links with the Haematology Department at the UCL Cancer Institute, UCLH patients have access to groundbreaking trials and the latest treatments. We provide funding to support innovative research projects across haematology.
Dr. Claire Roddie, UCLH Consultant Haematologist and UCL Cancer Institute Honorary Associate Professor, says “CAR T-Cell Immunotherapy represents the ultimate in bespoke, personalised medicine and has immense potential. We hope that the Elias Taylor Leukaemia Scholarship [funded by HCC] will help us to understand the next generation of leukaemia CAR T-Cell design so the benefits are felt by future patients.”
A very specialist workforce
Even more than modern facilities, such a critical service requires a very large team of specialist nurses, doctors, and allied healthcare professionals.
At UCLH, nurses are trained to give chemotherapy, and look after patients receiving CAR T-cells, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the complex needs of these treatments.
Maintaining a workforce of over 300 specialist haematology nurses as well as professors and doctors requires substantial educational and training, and Haematology Cancer Care is proud to actively support this to the benefit of UCLH patients.
Haematology Cancer Care
As a result of our treatment outcomes and the compassionate manner in which staff care for our patients, UCLH has a deserved international reputation for excellence.
Haematology Cancer Care is very proud to have been supporting the clinical service for 30 years.
We support a wide range of projects, from research and staff education, to the acquisition of advanced medical equipment and supporting patients.
High-Tech Medical Equipment
HCC funded Apheresis machines bolster our national Apheresis service, enhancing treatment for patients with myeloma, red cell disorders, TTP, and those undergoing stem cell transplants for leukaemia and lymphoma.
Ultrasound machines provided for our Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Central Venous Access team, and Apheresis service have significantly improved vein access procedures, resulting in a smoother, more efficient, and less painful experience for both patients and staff.
Nurses’ Education
The courses and qualifications we fund makes haematology a unique place to work. Through our funding of staff education, we support the ward nursing teams to continue their professional development, expanding their knowledge to better support patients.
By investing in UCLH haematology staff in this way, we ensure that patients are receiving the very best care, and also improve the experience of working here for staff.
Supporting Patients
We support patients through a number of projects, including funding free complementary therapy, the snack trolley for inpatient wards, arts projects, and more.
UCLH haematology patients make up part of our HCC Board of Trustees, and help us as volunteers, meaning patients’ views, ideas and concerns directly inform our support to the haematology unit.
“Uniquely, HCC is run by clinical staff working closely with all haematology teams and haematology patients, ensuring donations make a significant impact on the services here at UCLH”
Stephen Rowley – Senior Matron Cancer Services
