Haematology

A NEW HAEMATOLOGY SERVICE AT THE VALE HOSPITAL

The Haematology service has recently been established by Dr H.W.Habboush, Consultant Haematologist, at The Royal Glamorgan Hospital. The Haematology service is a rapid response service, ensuring that patients are seen within one week and in urgent cases within 48 hours.

The service encompasses a wide range of areas some of which are described below.

General Haematology

The General Haematology service including, but is not limited to:

Anaemia
Polycythaemia (too many red blood cells)
White cell and platelet disorders
Bleeding and bruising problems
Thrombotic tendencies (blood clotting diseases)

All assessments at the Haematology Clinic include microscopical examination of the blood by Dr Habboush.

The Haematology Clinic also caters for patients with Haemochromatosis (abnormally excessive iron accumulation in the body with harmful consequences on the liver, heart, pancreas, sex glands). In addition to removing the excess iron through venesection (blood removal), Dr Habboush will provide advice on detecting this condition in other family members due to the genetic/inherited nature of this disorder.

Malignant disorders of the Blood and the Lymph Glands

Malignant disorders of the blood and lymph glands includes, but is not limited to:

Leukaemias (cancers of the blood)
Lymphomas (cancers of the lymph glands)
Myeloma (white/plasma cell cancers).

After diagnosing such disorders and evaluating them, the management will be undertaken locally or as shared care with the specialist colleagues in University Hospital of Wales or Velindre hospital when required.

Anticoagulant Clinic

The hospital based anticoagulant clinic is led by a trained nurse. Tests are carried out locally on a “Point of Care” principle, thereby immediately availing INR results and Warfarin dosing. Patients seeking advice on their anticoagulant therapies can seek advice from Dr Habboush.

Advice to pregnant women and air travelers

The term “thrombophilia” is rapidly gaining public interest. It denotes a tendency to have blood clots. Thrombophilias can be inherited or acquired. The advice on managing these conditions is not uniform and has to take several aspects of the actual blood clotting condition as well as the patient’s lifestyle into consideration.

Furthermore questions about thrombophilia are especially important during pregnancy or during long haul travel. Dr Habboush has a special interest in these disorders, is a member of the British Obstetrical Haematology Group, and will be pleased to offer the relevant advice.