Haematology
Clinical haematology services at HCA hospitals are delivered by Dr Lesley Kay and a team of dedicated consultant-medical, nursing and laboratory staff. They collaborate with the surgeons operating at our hospitals to ensure that all necessary measures are applied in the prevention of post-operative venous thrombo-embolism. We are proud to confirm that since 1990 we have been running an active DVT prevention service which already adheres to principles soon to be released by NICE for the NHS.
No one likes to think they may bleed excessively during surgery or childbirth, but it is helpful to know that, unlike many private sector hospitals, HCA hospitals have on-site consultant haematologists with 24 hour on-call provision. This enables prompt and precise treatment to stem blood loss.
HCA hospitals also have a policy of minimal use of transfusion, so that all measures to reduce the need for transfused blood are utilised wherever possible, including thrombo elastograph (TEG) assessment in theatres to identify rapidly the exact cause of bleeding.
In addition to these collaborative services a full range of specialist haematology clinical services is provided:
- Investigation (including marrow trephine biopsy if indicated) and treatment of anaemias
- Investigation and management of thrombo-embolism including consultant-delivered warfarin dosing. Training and QA for self INR testing is also provided
- Investigation of unexplained bleeding
Dr Kay has a special interest in the management of non-Hodgkins lymphoma and myeloma, with over thirty years of experience in the field. Most of her patients are treated on an outpatient basis from the haematology outpatient unit at the Princess Grace Hospital, where there is same-day access to excellent CT and open MRI scanning facilities. PET CT is also available.
Prompt treatment of any infection is crucial in haematology, and patients have rapid access to outstanding in-patient facilities including intensive care.
To ensure that help is always available, patients have direct access to Dr Kay via her mobile phone outside clinic hours.
Patients with acute leukaemia are managed in collaboration with Professor Tony Goldstone at the new Harley Street University Hospital Inpatient Unit.