The Haematology service at Chesterfield Royal Hospital offers a wide range of high quality services for patients with blood disorders.

Most of our patients are referred by their GP but some patients can be referred by our colleagues from other specialities within the Trust.

Haematology appointments take place in our purpose built NGS Macmillan Unit which is located at the back of Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

We aim to provide high quality, patient-centred care that is delivered within a supportive environment by a team of experts, who are all specialists within their own field. We pride ourselves on providing patients with suitable and timely information to enable them to make appropriate decisions and informed choices regarding their treatment.

Essential Information for New Patients

At your initial new patient appointment you will have your height and weight recorded and then be seen by a Consultant Haematologist. The Consultant Haematologist will ask you some questions about your symptoms and your general health. Please bring a list of any medication that you are currently taking.

The Consultant may need to examine you and then they will make a decision as to whether you require further tests. These tests may include blood tests, radiology procedures such as x-rays or scans, lymph node or bone marrow biopsy. Apart from the blood tests the other investigations will be arranged for a different day.

Please allow for 45 to 60 minutes for your appointment.

The results of your investigations may take up to 4 -5 weeks to obtain particularly if they need to be sent to our specialist Haem/Oncology Diagnostic Service (HODs) based in Sheffield.

You will be given a follow up appointment when all the results are available. We recognise that waiting for results can be stressful and therefore we will provide you with our Haematology Service Booklet which includes our telephone contact details.

Patients who are diagnosed with a blood cancer will be provided with written information about their disease.

Haematology patients who are diagnosed with a blood cancer will be discussed at our regional Multidisciplinary Disciplinary Team where treatment options will be discussed and recommendations proposed. These treatment recommendations will be discussed with you and you will be provided with verbal and written information and support to assist you in making an informed decision.

At the time of a cancer diagnosis we will aim to have a haematology specialist nurse present who will be able to offer any further support that may be needed.

You will be given telephone contact details for easy access to the haematology nursing team.

How do I change my appointment?

If you need to change your appointment please phone the number on your referral letter, or contact the New Appointments department on 01246 512673.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, please do.

We appreciate the need for patients to be fully supported and our aim is to enable this whenever possible. Please be aware that our consultation rooms are often small and we cannot accommodate large numbers of family members or friends under normal circumstances.

It is helpful if you can ensure that you are accompanied by the same family member or friend on each attendance.

COVID restrictions place extra challenges and the Trust must follow whatever national guidance is in place at the time you attend. Nevertheless, we have managed to continue to enable one relative or friend to be present during clinical consultations. However, waiting areas are small and your companion may be asked to wait outside the hospital until you are actually seen.

Please note, even under non-pandemic conditions, relatives or friends are not able to be present whilst endoscopy, or CT or MRI scans are performed.

For more information on Coronavirus whilst attending the hospital please click here.

Useful Links

NGS Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
Mon–Fri 08.30-16.30 01246 516406
e-mail crhft.macmillaninfo@nhs.net

Macmillan Cancer Support
Blood Cancer UK
Lymphoma Action
Leukaemia Care
Myeloma UK