WHAT IS HAEMATOLOGY?
Haematology involves the diagnosis and treatment of patients who have disorders of the blood and bone marrow. Whilst a major part of a haematologist’s time is spent in providing direct clinical care to patients, diagnostic work in the laboratory is also a significant part of their work.
WHY IS HAEMATOLOGY IMPORTANT?
Haematology is the specialty responsible for the diagnosis and management of a wide range of benign and malignant disorders of the red and white blood cells, platelets and the coagulation system in adults and children.
Haematologists care directly for patients on hospital wards and out patient clinics. Their patients may have a serious life- threatening illness such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma that requires chemotherapy. They also advise GPs about how to care for patients in their homes. Some haematologists specialise in diseases affecting the blood coagulation system such as haemophilia, while others provide expertise in the areas of blood transfusion or disorders of haemoglobin such as sickle cell disease.