Mum-of-three from Kineton, Francis Townsend, is one of many blood cancer patients who will benefit from a new approach
A mum-of-three from Kineton is just one of many blood cancer patients who will benefit from a new approach to treatment.
A collaboration between NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust means patients requiring a stem cell transplant can now have their cells collected locally.
NHSBT nurses will travel to Coventry to provide this specialist service, avoiding the need for patients to travel to surrounding hospitals.
Francis Townsend, 67, a retired seamstress and post office worker from Kineton, had her stem cells collected through the new service. The cells were stored and then reinfused to help her bone marrow recover from the side effects of chemotherapy to treat myeloma, a form of blood cancer.
Patients with blood cancer have blood-forming stem cells collected and then returned to them for treatment. Stem cells can develop into different types of cells and help bone marrow to recover after it has been affected by the conditioning chemotherapy.
Without the stem cell treatment, Francis would have been at greater risk of bleeding and infections.
Francis, who enjoys gardening and walking, said: “The stem cell collection was very good. They just collect them from your blood as you sit there.
“I needed them back after the intensive chemo because my own cell levels were not good. Now I am only on maintenance chemotherapy, and I am doing OK. I have a lot more energy now and I feel a lot better in myself.”
Maria Mushkbar, consultant haematologist at UHCW NHS Trust, said: “This new service is extremely efficient and patient focused. The transition has certainly streamlined our patient journey with improved patient experience and satisfaction.”
