Bulletins
Ghana and Haematology
Volunteers are sought from interested medical, BMS and nursing staff
The British Council has funded a three-year project to support education in haematology at Korle Bu teaching hospital, Accra, Ghana. The funding is part of the Developing Partnerships in Higher Education (DelPHE) scheme and will cover travel, accommodation and subsistence costs for haematology healthcare professionals to travel to Accra for three-week periods. It is planned that 3-4 such visits will be undertaken each year by different volunteers. This scheme is linked to a similar programme in Malawi funded by the Royal College of Pathologists and the British Council to support postgraduate training in haematology and microbiology.
Korle Bu hospital is a 1500-bed hospital with the national transfusion centre on site. The main haematology laboratory works 24/7 for both in- and out-patients, and there are also three satellite laboratories. Transfusion laboratory testing is provided by the transfusion centre. There are both in- and out-patient facilities for haematology patients and a chemotherapy day ward. The unit is recognised as a haemophilia treatment centre.
Haematology medical staff consist of a Director of Haematology (Dr Ivy Ekem), Professor Ankra Badu, Professor Acquaye, Dr Olayeni and Dr Ansah (transfusion director). Mr Antwi Amoateng is the BMS technical head of the haematology section of the laboratory and also the Quality Control officer. The laboratory takes part in selected UK NEQAS schemes. The day case unit is staffed by an experienced nursing sister with 5-6 additional dedicated qualified nurses. Chemotherapy training has been undertaken in-house. There is a well established timetable of weekly seminars, open to all haematology health professionals and a timetable of haematology training for post graduate medical staff and for medical students.
Although teaching in any aspects of haematology would be welcome, training needs that have been specifically identified include transfusion, quality assurance, laboratory safety and management, morphology, coagulation, chemotherapy side effects and mechanisms of action and alternatives.
A timetable will be drawn up to ensure that all training needs are covered over the three-year period of the scheme and volunteers are sought to cover the areas identified.
If you are interested in volunteering for this scheme please forward a short CV covering your areas of interest, expertise and availability to:
Adobea Akuffo: Adobea.Akuffo@rcpath.org
or
Jennifer Duguid: jenduguid@hotmail.com
Complete a BloodMed survey; receive a 20% book discount
Thanks to those of you who have completed the survey already.
For those of you who have not:
Wiley-Blackwell and the BSH are taking your BloodMed into the future and we need to know what you think. In appreciation for your time you can receive a 20% discount on Wiley-Blackwell Haematology books.
Complete the survey now: http://www.blackwellpublishingsurvey.com/survey/149826/7d04/
Survey closes 8th February.
Mastocytosis/Mast Cell Disease
The UK Mastocytosis Support Group has a printed leaflet with up-to-date information about Mastocytosis/Mast Cell Disease.
If you would like copy of the leaflet it can be sent electronically or by snail mail.
To request a leaflet please send an email to UK Support Group Leader Irene Wilson - email address: winegums@blueyonder.co.uk
Website: http://www.ukmasto.co.uk
FRCPath Examination for Clinical Scientists in Haematology
The first FRCPath Part 1 examinations for Clinical Scientists in Haematology were held in Spring 2009. To facilitate Clinical Scientists already established in haematology a two-year period of grandparenting was established during which senior, experienced practitioners could apply to have their qualifications and experience accepted without the necessity for sitting the Part 1FRCPath examination.
The window of opportunity for grandparenting is about to expire and applications should be submitted no later than mid-2010 in order to be processed within the time allowed.
Further information may be obtained from the College website (www.rcpath.org/exams) or by contacting Dr Tony Cumming, Consultant Clinical Scientist in Haematology (tony.cumming@cmmc.nhs.uk), or Dr Mike Scott, Consultant Clinical Scientist in Haematology (mas59@cam.ac.uk).
