Haemato-oncology (Blood Cancer)

Haematology is the specialty responsible for the diagnosis and management of a wide range of benign and malignant disorders of the blood and bone marrow. Malignant haematological conditions, sometimes known as blood cancers, are the fifth most common cancer in the UK. The most common types of blood cancer include Acute or Chronic Leukaemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma.

There are a range of treatments for blood cancer and vary greatly depending on the specific diagnosis. Systemic anti-cancer therapies include chemotherapy and newer novel treatments such as immunotherapy and targeted drugs. Radiotherapy may also be used for some patients. Radiotherapy for this patient group is delivered by The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre Oncology team. The type of treatment you receive will depend on your individual diagnosis. Your consultant will discuss all the potential treatment options with you and keep you fully informed of your progress throughout.

There are many different members of staff involved in your care. Including:

Consultant Haematologists

• Doctors specializing in the treatment of blood cancer patients

The Medical Teams are split into Lymphoid and Myeloid and you will be looked after by the team for your specific diagnosis. 

The Lymphoid Team

The Lymphoid Team are specialists who look after people with blood disorders called lymphomas. There are lots of different types of lymphoma, varying from slow growing disorders that can be safely watched without treatment; to aggressive lymphomas that need intensive treatments. Most patients receive their treatment as an outpatient, either through outpatient clinics or via our chemotherapy day unit, though some patients do need to be treated as an inpatient in ward B7.

The Lymphoid Team at the BWoSCC regularly look after people with complex and rare lymphomas and act as the regional centre for certain types of lymphoma such as primary central nervous system lymphoma. The team are also involved in numerous clinical trials which can be offered to people with lymphoma and these will be offered if there is a suitable trial available. Participation in clinical trials is entirely voluntary.

The lymphoma team is made up of four consultant haematologists and two nurse specialists though we work closely with many others to diagnose and look after patients, including our ward and day unit nursing staff; pathologists, radiologists, pharmacists, clinical oncologists and our clinical trials teams, among others.

The Myeloid Team

The Myeloid team are specialists who look after people with blood disorders such as acute leukaemia. This team would also look after patients with myeloma.  There are several different treatment types for acute leukaemia and many of these will be given during extended in patient stays in ward B7. Some newer treatments in particular may be given as an outpatient in our day unit, and even in tablet form at home.

The leukaemia team at the Beatson provide a regional service for younger patients. The team are also involved in numerous clinical trials which can be offered to patients who are suitable. Participation in clinical trials is entirely voluntary.

The Myeloid team is made up of four consultant haematologists and two nurse specialists though we work closely with many others to diagnose and look after patients, including our ward and day unit nursing staff, pathologists, genetics laboratory staff, radiologists, pharmacists and our clinical trials teams, among others.

Ward Nurses

• When you are on the ward you will be looked after by experienced Haematology nurses that are able to administer your chemotherapy and explain the risks, side effects and after care to you. They will also provide information to you and your family on discharge about follow up care and medications you require to take at home. They will also give emergency contact numbers if you experience any issues after discharge.

Advanced nurse practitioners

• It may be an ANP who admits you onto the ward for your treatment and who prescribes your medications for home. They are experienced haematology nurses and can help with any questions you may have while on the ward.
• The role of the ANP is to work with the medical staff to facilitate and streamline care. The ward ANP’s are responsible for carrying out diagnostic tests such as bone marrow examinations.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

• Clinical nurse specialists are nurses with specialist training and extensive experience in treating patients with your type of cancer.

The clinical nurse specialist may act as your ‘key worker’ during your treatment, which means they are a consistent point of contact for you, your family, and other healthcare professionals involved in your care.

Clinical nurse specialist can offer you support and information throughout your treatment and beyond. They can direct you to help from other sources if needed e.g. MacMillan Benefits / psychological support services.

Your nurse specialist will usually be present at your first consultation. If you are an in-patient, the CNS will meet with you in ward B7.

• Michelle Martin- Lymphoma Nurse Specialist 0141 301 7737
• Rebecca McGlynn – Associate Lymphoma Nurse Specialist 0141 301 7737
• Audrey Robb – Myeloma Nurse Specialist 0141 301 7738
• Cara Manson – Acute Leukaemia Nurse Specialist 0141 301 7705
• Ruth Mitchell – Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia Nurse Specialist 0141 301 7738

 We have a multi-disciplinary approach to your treatment and care so you may, if required, be seen by a Pharmacist, Dietitian, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapist.

Patients will be admitted to Ward B7 for in patient regimes, the ward has 19 beds, 15 Adult and 4 Teenage and Young Adult (TYA). It is made up of single rooms and 4 bedded bays. Subsequent treatments for some patients may be delivered as an outpatient regime in our day ward in B8 and B9.

Patients will be followed up regularly at the appropriate outpatient clinic for their disease specific team, and will also see their specific Clinical Nurse Specialist at clinic.