"Management of Haemochromatosis"

I was diagnosed with Haemochromatosis many years ago and initially received treatment at Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride.  This was managed via out patient reviews with consultants and venesection clinics run by staff from one of the inpatient wards; however as there were no dedicated staff or space set aside for these clinics it was often chaotic and more often than not I would need to walk with staff to other areas of the hospital to find a space to receive my treatment.  As someone with a severe phobia of needles who was already nervous about my treatment, this just added to the anxiety I felt and would often result in treatment not being successful.

There was a welcome improvement when Jane started to manage the clinics at Hairmyres as there was now a dedicated area for treatment and usually the same staff on duty at each clinic so, as a patient, I felt that they understood my anxiety and were able to work with me to facilitate successful venesections.  I noticed a vast improvement in my condition and well-being thanks to Jane and her team; however still felt the continuity of care was lacking as my treatment was still being managed by Consultants that I would see a couple of times a year at out-patient clinics.  It was never the same consultant, appointments were generally running behind time and I would give up several hours for a quick 5-10 minute appointment with a Consultant who had either not met me before or hadn't seen me for six months.  It would often result in delays to venesections taking place which had a negative impact on my quality of life.

The service changed for the better when Jane was able to lead the care of her patients in entirety and I'm absolutely thrilled that the health professional who knows me and my condition the best is now managing my care.  The whole process is now streamlined, and I can have my venesection, have bloods tested and discuss any concerns all during a single appointment.  My Haemochromatosis is managed, quality of life is vastly improved and my anxiety is gone thanks to the common sense approach that Jane has brought to the fore.  I value the commitment and effort she brings to the role so much that I even followed her from Hairmyres to Monklands so she could continue to manage my treatment.

I really do feel that Monklands are leading the way in nurse led Haemochromatosis care and am sincerely grateful to Jane and her team for their dedication to the well-being of their patients.