About us
The team is led by consultant, Dr Hilary Longhurst, and consists of two consultants, two specialist registrars and a specialist nurse.
Keeping you well
We aim to keep people with Primary Immunodeficiency (PID) and Behcet’s well so that they can lead a full and happy life. For many of our patients, they can expect to visit us three to four times a year to make sure they are healthy and check their drug therapy is optimal.
Confidential service
Patients are reassured that all our records are kept in confidence and we will not notify a, partner, relative or friend unless a patient gives us permission to do so.
It is important for us to have your home address and phone number/ email address on file as we may want to get in touch with you from time to time. Reasons for us to get in touch with you could include an abnormal blood result or we may ask you to change an appointment.
Regular medical consultations
You will usually see your immunologist three to four times a year.
Clinics are held every Thursday and Friday morning at the Grahame Hayton Unit at The Royal London Hospital. Your doctor will be able to answer any questions that you might have.
Immunology specialist nurse
The Immunology service is supported by an Immunology Specialist Nurse, who is available to support patients with their Primary Immunodeficiency and Behcet’s conditions during standard clinic hours Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.
The Immunology Specialist Nurse plays a crucial role in supporting, training and educating patients around their specific conditions.
Specialist pharmacy
Our service has a specialist pharmacy team and any medicines that you have been prescribed will be reviewed by our specialist pharmacists . The prescription will then be dispensed in our outpatient pharmacy based in the neighbouring building.
The specialist pharmacists and pharmacy team will be happy to give you advice on any aspect of your drug treatment. Home delivery of specialist medications can also be organised by the specialist nurse for patients who are stable on treatment.
It is important to make sure you have enough medication until your next appointment. If you do not have enough medicine, please call the nursing team on 020 7377 7616 to arrange for a repeat prescription. Please allow 24 hours to request a repeat prescription.
The specialist pharmacy can only dispense a prescription related to Primary Immunodeficiency and Behcet’s. If you have other health related problems you will be asked to get treatment for these from your GP.
Day care ward
Our day care ward provides a care environment for our patients who require particular treatments, but not necessarily need admission to hospital.
Examples of such day treatments include blood transfusions, immunoglobulin replacement infusions, maintenance medication infusions or time intensive investigations such as biopsies. Treatments in the day unit will be administered by one of our nursing team.
We have three beds and three reclining chairs for your comfort. We can provide you with hot and cold beverages throughout your stay on the day ward and a sandwich snack pack for lunch.
Patients with a Primary Immunodeficiency may wish to train to self administer their intravenous or subcutaneous treatments at home. This can be arranged by the nursing staff.
Dietitian
Good nutrition supports a healthy immune system and will help to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If, for any reason, you require dietary advice, then your diet will be reviewed by a member of our dietetic team who will make the appropriate dietary recommendations for you to follow.
Physiotherapy
If you need re-habilitation following a stay in hospital or because some of your symptoms relating to PID are affecting your mobility, then our physiotherapy team will help you get back into good physical condition.
Social worker
At any time, as an inpatient or outpatient, issues may arise for you around your diagnosis and social situation.
Our social worker may be able to offer advice, information and support around these issues. You can self refer or talk to any team member about a referral.
