Haematology Clinics

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All clinics are held at Gate 5, Brunel building, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB.

Referrals should be made to the Consultant Haematologists.

Monday am
General Haematology Clinic
Dr S Otton, Dr J Sokolowski Dr S Siddiq and Dr K Dixon

Tuesday am
General Haematology Clinic
Dr A Whiteway
Lymphoma Clinic
Dr K Dixon

Tuesday pm
Lymphoma Clinic, 
Dr S Otton week 1,3,5, Dr J Sokolowski- every week
Thrombosis Clinic
Dr M Melly

Wednesday am
Myeloma Clinic
Drs M Kmonicek and Dr A Whiteway
General Haematology Clinic
Dr S Salmon

Friday am
General Haematology Clinic
Dr M Kmonicek and Dr M Melly
Lymphoma Clinic
Dr S Salmon, Dr S Siddiq and Dr J Sokolowski

Haematology Clinics

Neuropathology Service

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The Department of Neuropathology is based in the Pathology Sciences Building on the Southmead site of North Bristol NHS Trust.

The Head of Department is Professor Kathreena Kurian.

The department provides a UKAS accredited diagnostic neuropathology service (including nerve and muscle biopsies), for the Bristol area and regional hospitals, including those from the private sector.  It also provides a referral service both nationally and internationally.

The following services are provided by the department:

  • Clinical neuropathology support for neuroscience specialities.
  • Neurosurgical biopsy histology, including fully integrated reports with molecular biology.
  • Diagnostic pathology of muscle and nerve, including in-house biopsy facilities.
  • Neuropathology autopsies.
  • Macroscopic assessment of fixed brain and spinal cord specimens.
  • Post-mortem neurohistology including work for H.M. Coroner and forensic service.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid cytology.

Neuropathology Requesting

Neuropathology request forms are available from the Neuropathology Department and should be completed in full.

Each request received by the laboratory is considered an agreement between the requestor and laboratory for provision of Neuropathology Services.

Refer to the Neuropathology Department User Manual (below) for further details on requesting tests.

Neuropathology Reports

Reports are currently available on ICE and will be sent by secure email to the requesting Clinician. A hard copy of reports can be obtained by telephoning the departmental secretarial team.

For further information, download the User Manual

Contact Neuropathology

Interventional Neuroradiology (INR)

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The Tertiary Neurovascular Interventional Neuroradiology Unit at North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) is a leading centre of excellence, specialising in advanced neurovascular interventions to diagnose and treat both adult and paediatric complex conditions of the brain and spine. Our mission is to deliver cutting-edge, patient-centred care through innovative neurovascular interventions. We strive to be at the forefront of medical advancements, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

The Neurovascular Interventional Radiology (INR) service provides the largest 24/7 Mechanical Stroke Thrombectomy service in the UK, performing over 430 Mechanical Thrombectomy's (MT) for South West England and South Wales between 2023 and 2024. 

The unit offers a comprehensive range of services, including the treatment of cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and acute stroke interventions. NBT was awarded neurovascular (level 5) gamma knife commission for South West England in June 2024. Our INR department covers all paediatric neurovascular intervention at Bristol Children’s Hospital. Our team is proficient in minimally invasive endovascular procedures, ensuring the highest standards of care. Our team comprises highly skilled interventional neuroradiologists, neuro intensive care and neuro anaesthesia, neurosurgeons, and specialized nursing staff, all dedicated to providing exceptional care. Each team member brings extensive experience and expertise in neurovascular interventions.

Other procedures such as cerebral angiography, myelography, carotid stenting, lumbar punctures, spinal biopsies and cement augmentation procedures are also performed. We monitor closely international developments in the published scientific literature and adopt new techniques where appropriate; one such example being the emergence of middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural haemorrhage, in carefully selected patients and in collaboration with our neurosurgical colleagues. There is an increasing demand for spinal injections and other related interventions. 

The unit is actively involved in groundbreaking research and clinical trials, contributing to the advancement of neurovascular medicine. Our commitment to innovation ensures that we employ the latest techniques and technologies in patient care. There is an active academic department with close link with Bristol University Medical school. The INRs teach undergraduate medical students from Bristol Medical School, Severn Deanery radiology registrars, has pioneered an INR FY2 program and is involved in neuroscience clinical research programs. The group has collaborated on several published studies in recent years. NBT INR also trains international INR fellows, credentialing from allied specialities (neurosurgery and neurology) from USA and Australia. 

Contact the INR Department

Gate 19, Level 2
Brunel building
Southmead Hospital
Southmead Road
Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol
BS10 5NB

To contact the INR Department, please contact Alexandra Bessant, INR Secretary

alexandra.bessant@nbt.nhs.uk

0117 414 9007

Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury (OASI) Clinic

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What is an OASI? 

OASI stands for obstetric anal sphincter injury, which can happen after childbirth. It is an injury to the anal sphincter that is relatively common in people who have had a vaginal delivery (it affects 1 in 5).

What is the OASI clinic? 

This is one-stop clinic where the specialist, multi-disciplinary team aims to review all patients with an OASI.

Why do I need to attend an OASI clinic?

It is not mandatory for you to attend the clinic, however it is considered best practice to make sure you receive the best possible care. It is recommended by the the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. By assessing your symptoms, how you are healing, and giving you advice, this will help minimise your future risk of anal incontinence (not being able to control bowel movements).

When and where will my appointment be?

It will be at Southmead Hospital, Cotswold outpatients, on a Wednesday afternoon. It will usually be 12 weeks after giving birth.

Who will I see in the clinic? 

You will see Consultant Gynaecologist Miss Sen, and Consultant Colorectal Surgeon Miss McCarthy. You may also see a physiotherapist, specialist nurses, and clinical scientists. There may be trainee doctors in clinic who are there to observe. 

What happens at my appointment? 

You will have your first consultation with the specialists. You will be asked direct questions about your recovery including wound healing, bladder and bowel function (going to the toilet), and sexual activity.

We will then ask for consent to do an intimate vaginal and rectal examination, and there will be a chaperone in the room. The two tests will take about 10 minutes.

Endo anal ultrasound scan

This is an ultrasound test which uses sound waves to create images of structures in your body. This scan checks the integrity of your anal sphincters. A probe is inserted 5cm into your back passage (anal canal). It lets us see your sphincter repair and gives us valuable information about how it is healing. It is not painful but might be slightly uncomfortable. It is similar to a trans vaginal ultrasound which you may have had before.

Anorectal manometry

This test will feel similar to the ultrasound. A small catheter (18mm) will be passed a short distance into your lower rectum. It is not usually painful.

We will take some pressure measurements from your anal canal when you are resting, and you will be asked to squeeze for around 10 seconds. You will do this twice. It might feel uncomfortable if have had difficulty doing pelvic floor exercises after giving birth. 

The final part of the test involves blowing up a balloon at the tip of the catheter inside the rectum. It is usually inflated with 60ml of air and most patients will be aware of the sensation of needing to evacuate (go to the toilet). We will ask you to expel the balloon if you are able to.

These measurements give us a good idea about the function of your anal sphincters. It will help us decide if you may benefit from a course of pelvic floor physiotherapy. 

Will the examination and tests hurt? 

They may be uncomfortable but should not be painful. We won’t do the tests if it would be painful. All tests and examinations will be done with consent, and a chaperone present, and we will be guided by you. 

What will happen after the examinations and tests?

You will return to the consultation room where we will discuss the results of the tests, and the function and anatomy of your anal sphincter. We will talk about any future plans for pregnancy, and you will have plenty of opportunity to ask and questions you have.

It can be worrying for you to come to the clinic. You may have had difficulties in birth that you haven’t had a chance to process. In clinic you may also find it worrying to hear words such as anal sphincter, injury, and OASI. If there is anything you don’t understand or are concerned about, we would be happy to see you again. 

You don’t need to do any preparation before the tests. There is a small risk of injury to the rectum, and we advise you to look out for rectal bleeding after the procedure. If this happens you can phone the number on the back of this leaflet, or out of hours phone 111. 

How long will my appointment be? 

Your appointment will take around 30 minutes, and we will try to get all your tests done in one visit. Sometimes you may have to return on another day for the tests, particularly if you are in pain at the time of your appointment.

The tests in the OASI clinic are considered ‘mobile’ and are generally quick. Some patients may benefit from more thorough assessments so you may be referred for further tests either at Southmead Hospital or Bristol Royal Infirmary. These will be done on another day, and we will see you again in the clinic for a follow-up appointment after the tests. Sometimes we will offer you a follow-up in the Colorectal Clinic with Miss McCarthy if you have ongoing bowel issues.

Where can I find more information? 

MASIC Foundation 
Home - Aiming to change the lives of women injured during childbirth. (masic.org.uk)

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Perineal tears and episiotomies in childbirth | RCOG 

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published September 2024. Review due September 2027. NBT003413

Contact the Gynaecology Secretaries

Emma-Rose Thompson/Gynaecology Secretaries
Women and Children's Division
The Chilterns

0117 414 6749

Support your local hospital charity

Southmead Hospital Charity logo

See the impact we make across our hospitals and how you can be a part of it. 

Dr Aubrey Smith - Interventional Neuroradiologist

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Doctor Aubrey Smith

GMC number: 7049861

Year & location of first qualification: Imperial College London 2009

Specialty: Interventional and Diagnostic Neuroradiology 

Clinical interests: Cerebral aneurysm treatment with flow diversion; endosaccular device treatment with WEB; mechanical thrombectomy; tumour and dural arteriovenous fistula embolisation using liquid embolics.

Secretary: Alex Bessant

Telephone: 0117 414 9007

Smith

Advice following third and fourth degree tears

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This page has information for patients who have had a third and fourth degree tear during the delivery of your baby. These are called obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI). 

This page explains the types of tears, how to look after yourself, and follow-up care. 

What is a perineal tear? 

Many women experience tears during childbirth, as the baby stretches the vagina and perineum (skin between the opening of the birth canal and anus). In the UK around 9 in 10 women who have a vaginal birth will have some degree of perineal trauma. 

Types of perineal tear

  • First degree tears are small skin-deep tears. They usually heal naturally.
  • Second degree tears are deeper and affect the muscles of the perineum. They usually need stitches.
  • An episiotomy is a cut made by a healthcare professional through the vaginal wall and perineum. This may be done if your baby needs to be born more quickly or if they need more space. Episiotomies can sometimes extend and become a deeper tear.
  • Third degree tears extend into the muscle that controls the anus, and the anal sphincter. If this extends further into the lining of the anus or rectum this is a fourth degree tear. 
  • A rectal buttonhole is a rare injury when the anal sphincter doesn’t tear but there is a hole between the anus and vagina.
Illustration of the location of first, second, third and fourth degree obstetric anal sphincter injuries

Why did I get a third/fourth degree tear?

They usually happen unexpectedly during birth. It is not possible to predict but you may be more likely to get one if: 

  • This is your first vaginal birth (about 6 in 100). If it is your second vaginal birth the risk is about 2 in 100.
  • You are of South Asian heritage.
  • Your second stage of labour is longer than expected (from when the cervix is fully dilated to birth).
  • You needed assistance during delivery with forceps or a ventouse (vacuum assisted vaginal delivery).
  • One of the baby’s shoulders gets stuck behind your pubic bone, delaying the birth. This is called shoulder dystocia.
  • Your baby is large (over 4kg).
  • You have had a third/fourth degree tear before (7 in 100).

It is important to identify a third/fourth degree to repair it properly. This will be done in hospital in theatre.

Will it cause any problems?

Most third/fourth degree tears will repair and won’t cause long-term problems. Some women have trouble holding in wind and a small number of women have leakage of faeces (poo). 

What about stitches?

You will have stitches between your vagina and anus, and beneath the skin. They will eventually dissolve or soften and fall out. You may be able to feel them for up to 3 months.

You will likely experience pain/soreness for 4-6 weeks after giving birth, particularly when sitting or walking. Taking regular pain relief can help.

You can use ice on the area but make sure to wrap it in a clean, damp towel to protect the skin. Use it for 5-10 minutes and regularly check you are not causing ice burns.

You may want to use a travel cushion or two rolled up towels when sitting to elevate the perineum.

Stitches can irritate as healing happens, but this is normal. Passing urine (peeing) can cause stinging but pouring water over the area when urinating can help.

If you are worried about your wound or notice any bleeding from the tear, an abnormal or offensive smell, abnormal discharge, increased pain, you should see your healthcare professional. These might be a sign of infection and you may need antibiotics.

What can I do to help recovery? 

Some simple steps can help healing and reduce the chance of developing complications. 

Keeping the area around the tear and perineum clean

  • Wash the area a few times a day, including after opening your bowels. The best way is to pour warm water over the area while sitting on the toilet. Allow the area to air dry or pat dry with clean toiler paper or clean towel.
  • Always wipe from front to back. Use clean toilet paper for each wipe.
  • We advise a bath/shower twice a day in clear water. Avoid soaps, shower gels, and cosmetic products as they can interfere with healing.
  • Do not use talcum powder or tampons.
  • You will be given antibiotics to take for 5 days to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Change sanitary towels often, at least every 2-3 hours.

Opening your bowels (avoiding constipation)

Opening your bowels should not affect your stitches. For the first few days after your tear is repaired, control of your bowels may not be as good as before you had you baby. 

  • You will be given some medicine to soften your stool (poo) when you go home.
  • Aim to drink at least 2 litres of water a day.
  • Eat a healthy balanced diet including things like fruit, vegetables, cereals, and wholemeal bread.
  • Avoid painkillers with codeine as they can cause constipation.

The best position to sit in when opening your bowels is with your feet on a stool like in the image below with your: 

  • Knees higher than hips.
  • Lean forwards and put your elbows on your knees.
  • Bulge out your abdomen.
  • Straighten your spine.
  • Take your time and don’t rush.

This helps straighten your bowel. 

Illustration of woman sitting on toilet with feet on a stool, knees bent, and leaning forwards with elbows on knees

What can I do to help improve my bladder and bowel control? 

You can strengthen the muscles around the vagina and anus by doing pelvic floor exercises. You should start these as soon as you can after the birth, as long as you don’t have a catheter in and you’ve had your first normal wee.

The next page has a brief description of how to do pelvic floor exercises and there are links in the back of this leaflet to further resources we have put together.

Doing the pelvic floor exercises

  • Sit comfortably on a chair with your feet and knees apart.
  • If it is more comfortable, lean over and rest your forearms on your knees.
  • Relax and take a a few deep breaths.
  • Try to keep your tummy muscles and bottom relaxed.
  • If sitting is uncomfortable, try lying on your back or side.

Locating the pelvic floor 

  • Imagine you are trying to stop passing wind, at the same time as stopping the flow of urine.
  • You should feel a sensation of “squeeze and lift” as you close up and draw up the muscles.
  • Don’t worry if you can’t feel much to begin with, it can take some time but keep trying.

It is important you do not try and stop the flow of urine when you are on the toilet. This can cause problems with emptying the bladder. 

How do I practice the exercises? 

Begin practicing contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles three times a day. Once you can feel the muscles working and feeling comfortable you can try doing the slow/quick contractions described on below. 

It’s important to develop the two types of muscle activity, slow and fast. This is because the pelvic floor works to help us to ‘hold on’ when we need the toilet, but it also kicks in to protect us against sudden leakage during activity or during coughing, sneezing, or laughing.

Slow contractions

  • Do the exercises on page 6 and try to hold the pelvic floor contraction.
  • Start by aiming for 2-3 seconds and over, up to a maximum of 10 seconds.
  • Rest for a few seconds, then repeat up to 10 times.

Quick contractions

  • Contract the pelvic floor and let it go - do not hold on.
  • Repeat up to 10 times.

How often should I do the exercises?

Aim to do one set of slow followed by one set of quick, three times a day. You can do this standing, sitting, or lying, but it may be easier to do it lying down at first.

It is good to contract your pelvic floor muscles during active movements such as when you’re lifting, coughing, or laughing, as this can help prevent any leakage.

When can I expect to return to usual activities?

Every woman’s recovery is slightly different, what you view as normal daily activity will differ. If you have a third/fourth degree tear, you should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks. After this you can gradually increase your general activity.

We recommend waiting at least 12 weeks before doing any higher intensity exercise (like running and jumping), and advise you gradually return. You could try something like the NHS Couch to 5k app.

When can I be intimate (have sex) with my partner again?

Many women are anxious about experiencing discomfort when being intimate again after giving birth, particularly if you have had a perineal tear.

When your stitches have healed and bleeding has stopped, you can have sex again when it feels right for you and your partner. It might feel uncomfortable at first but this should not persist.

After 6 weeks if your stitches have healed, you can start some gentle perineal massage to help improve comfort (see link at end of leaflet). You can also use a lubricant when having sex, as the vagina may feel dryer because of post-natal hormones, especially if you are breastfeeding.

It is possible to get pregnant again soon after giving birth, even if you haven’t had a period. It is important to use contraception, and you can discuss your option with your healthcare professional.

What follow-up arrangements should I expect?

If you have had a third/fourth degree tear, a member of the pelvic health physiotherapy team should contact you in the days after delivery. Or you may be given advice on the ward.

You will have contact again around 6 weeks after giving birth. If you are experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction at this point you will be offered further treatment.

You will also be reviewed in the OASI clinic. These appointments are with the specialist, multi-disciplinary team between 3-5 months after giving birth. At this appointment you will have some tests to check the muscles of the anal sphincter and have the chance to ask any questions you have. Find out more about the OASI clinic and what to expect here: 

Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) clinic | North Bristol NHS Trust

Will I be able to have a vaginal birth again?

Most women have no long-term problems following their tear, and can have a vaginal birth in the future. Currently there is limited evidence to suggest is you are at increased risk of having another tear. It is suggested that women who have a third/fourth degree tear in their first birth have 7-10 in 100 chance of having a similar one in their next vaginal birth.

In any future pregnancy you will be referred to a consultant in the antenatal clinic. The consultant will discuss your options and help create an individualised birth plan taking your choices into account. You will discuss the options for delivery to help you make a decision suitable for you.

It is helpful to do perineal massage in the last couple of months of pregnancy as this reduces the risk of another tear.

Useful NBT videos

Useful phone numbers

Southmead Hospital Bristol 

0117 950 5050 

Antenatal Assessment Unit, Southmead Hospital 

0117 414 6906 

Central Delivery Suite, Southmead Hospital 

0117 414 6916 
0117 414 6917 

Cossham Birth Centre 

0117 340 8460 

Day Assessment Unit, St Michael’s Hospital

0117 928 5395 

Delivery Suite St Michael’s Hospital, Bristol 

0117 928 5214 

Day Assessment Unit, Royal United Hospital, Bath 

01225 824 447
01225 824 847

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published October 2024. Review due October 2027. NBT002127

Support your local hospital charity

Southmead Hospital Charity logo

See the impact we make across our hospitals and how you can be a part of it. 

Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) clinic

Information about the OASI clinic including what to expect at your appointment. 

X-ray referral from your GP

Regular Off On Imaging Patient Information

North Bristol NHS Trust has formed a partnership with InHealth Group, who run the Community Diagnostic Centre next to Asda at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol.  This centre will increase the capacity for how many patients we can see, and is in an accessible location. 

Depending on your GP practice, please follow the instructions below to arrange your X-ray. 

If your GP practice is: 

  • Almondsbury Surgery.
  • Bradley Stoke Surgery.
  • Concord Medical Centre.
  • Coniston Medical Practice.
  • Heywood Family Practice.
  • Pembroke Road Surgery.
  • Pilning Surgery.
  • Pioneer Medical Group.
  • Portishead Medical Group.
  • St Mary Street Surgery.
  • Severn View Family Practice.
  • Shirehampton Group Practice.
  • Southmead and Henbury Family Practice.
  • Streamside Surgery.
  • Stoke Gifford Medical Centre.
  • Streamside Surgery. 
  • Westbury-on-Trym Primary Care Centre. 

You will need to use these booking instructions: 

Booking instructions

Your GP will submit an electronic referral to North Bristol NHS Trust and your X-ray will be considered for priority booking at the Community Diagnostic Centre at Cribbs Causeway: 

North Bristol Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC)
Asda Patchway Super Centre
Highwood Lane
Patchway
Bristol
BS34 5TL 

Open Monday to Sunday, 08:00 to 19:45. 

The InHealth booking team will phone you to organise a date and time for your X-ray. 

Patient choice is important to us, so please let the caller know if you would like your X-ray to take place at one of the other North Bristol NHS Trust Imaging departments. 

You only need to contact the North Bristol NHS Trust Imaging team if:

  • You are under 18 years of age.
  • You need to use a hoist at your appointment.
  • You need hospital transport to attend your appointment. 

If any of these apply to you please phone the appointment line on 0117 414 5175 (Monday to Friday, 08:45 to 16:15). 

For more information about the CDC visit: North Bristol NHS Community Diagnostic Centre - InHealth (inhealthcdc.co.uk)

If your GP is not listed above

You will need to use these booking instructions: 

Booking instructions

Please call the North Bristol NHS Trust Appointment Line

0117 414 5175 

Calls are taken between 08:45 and 16:15, Monday to Friday (closed on bank holidays). 

Appointments are available at the following locations and times:

Cossham Hospital

Monday to Friday, 08:15 to 16:30.

Yate West Gate Centre

Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 19:20.
Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 to 17:30.

Southmead Hospital

Monday to Friday, 08:15 to 16:30.

North Somerset Community Hospital, Clevedon

Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 16:00.
Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 to 17:30. 

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published September 2024. Review due September 2027. NBT003718.
 

Allergy, Immunology & Immunogenetics

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This is the laboratory page of the Department of Immunology of North Bristol NHS Trust. If you want to access the clinical page, please visit Immunology and Allergy Centre. 

Test changes and accreditation

From Monday 9th September 2024 we are changing our test platforms for some of the assays in Immunology.

The following document is a letter we have sent out to users highlighting which tests and reference ranges are changing.

We will also be updating both our test information pages Test Information and the quality section Pathology Accreditation and Compliance Status.

All the affected tests, which were previously accredited by UKAS, will be undergoing an Extension to Scope process. However, please be assured that the quality of our services will remain the same.

General Information

The Department of Immunology and Immunogenetics provides a comprehensive clinical diagnostic service to the North Bristol NHS Trust and local community, and provides a referral service for laboratories throughout the South West. The laboratories are located in the Pathology Sciences building on the Southmead Hospital Bristol site.

Investigations are provided in HLA typing and renal crossmatching, allergy, autoimmunity, immunochemistry, immunodeficiency, and immunophenotyping. There are close links to the Southmead Renal Transplant Unit,  Paediatric Transplantation for the South West and Wales and UK Transplant with a 24 hour service for renal transplantation. Clinical advice and interpretation is available throughout.

The department is committed to providing a high quality service for all its users, participates in all appropriate External Quality Assurance Schemes, and is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No.8067. If it is necessary to refer work, where possible this will be to other CPA or UKAS accredited laboratories. Where this is not possible, laboratories are selected on National or International reputation in specialist assays.

The department is approved for Biomedical Scientist training by the Health Professions Council and accredited by the Royal College of Pathologists and Royal College of Physicians for Immunology Specialist Registrar Training.

Patients with suspected autoimmune disorders, allergy or immunodeficiency may be referred to clinic for investigation.

For Allergy and Immunology clinical advice, the clinicians and nursing team can be contacted:
1. via the secretaries on 0117 4143456, 9-5, no on-call service provided
2. via switchboard to our individual mobiles if clinician specific advice required, 9-5
3. via the immunology SpR bleep 9287, 9-5, no on-call service provided
4. via email immunologyandallergy@nbt.nhs.uk inbox monitored daily

 

 

Contact Immunology & Immunogenetics

Head of Department
Dr Adrian Heaps
Telephone: 0117 4148473

Clinical Lead
Dr Sarah Johnston
Telephone: 0117 4148370

Blood Sciences Laboratory Manager
Allison Brixey
Telephone: 0117 4148416

General Enquiries/Secretaries
Telephone: 0117 4143456

E-mail: immunology@nbt.nhs.uk

Normal Laboratory Hours
Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm

Test Information

Sample vials for testing

Includes details of sample types, volumes, special precautions, turnaround times & reference ranges.

Allergy, Immunology & Immunogenetics

Getting Involved with Fresh Arts

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Donating artwork

If you are interested in donating an artwork, please contact us at fresh.arts@nbt.nhs.uk. We can offer guidance on what is suitable. It is not possible to accept every item.

Exhibiting artwork

The Fresh Arts team curates exhibition spaces on site. These are usually programmed 2 years in advance.  At present we are unable to accept speculative enquiries relating to public exhibition spaces.

Performing in our hospitals

The Fresh Arts team has very limited capacity to host guest performances from community groups. If you are interested in performing in public spaces at Southmead Hospital please contact us at fresh.arts@nbt.nhs.uk

Become a Volunteer Musician

If you are a member of staff at NBT please contact us at piano@nbt.nhs.uk to ask about becoming a Volunteer Musician. 

Members of the public need to apply online. Find out about all volunteer roles currently available at NBT.

Volunteer knitters, crocheters and stitchers

Fresh Arts distributes the following knitted items to adult patients in our care: 

  • Knitted teddies 
  • Twiddlemuffs
  • Lap blankets 
  • Cannula sleeves 

We also provide small numbers of the following sewn items: 

  • Drain bags 
  • Syringe-driver bags 
  • Wheelchair bags 

If you would like to knit, crochet or sew for our patients please contact us for more information at fresh.arts@nbt.nhs.uk  

Donating to Southmead Hospital Charity to support Fresh Arts

If you would like to make a donation to Southmead Hospital Charity to support the work of Fresh Arts please contact the fundraising team at www.southmeadhospitalcharity.org.uk/contact-us or place a donation in our piano spinner in the Brunel building at Southmead Hospital.

Fresh Arts Student Placements & Work Experience

Fresh Arts is a small part time team with limited capacity. We plan our programme of activity 6-12 months in advance. Where capacity exists, requests for support are considered on a case-by-case basis.

For post 16 students, we have capacity to host up to two placements per year for suitable candidates. To find out more about work experience opportunities within North Bristol NHS Trust, please email workexperience@nbt.nhs.uk 

We currently work with University of the West of England to host MA Music Therapy trainees. If you are a student who would be interested in a placement please contact us at fresh.arts@nbt.nhs.uk