I want to begin this month’s message by extending my warmest congratulations to two exceptional BSH members, who will take centre stage at the Annual Scientific Meeting this weekend, being honoured for their outstanding contributions to haematology over the years. Professor Imelda Bates, recipient of the lifetime achievement award and Professor Paul Moss, recipient of the BSH Medal, will give Plenary lectures in their respective fields.
Their careers exemplify the remarkable diversity and impact of our specialty, from molecular immunology to global health systems. Paul has led pioneering research in cancer, transplant, and viral immunology; Imelda has built medical capacity and innovation across continents. In common, their work has shaped scientific and clinical practice and has had profound impact on patients, colleagues and the next generation of haematology leaders. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear their talks.
Another plenary speaker not to miss is Professor Andreas Greinacher of Universitätsmedizin Greifswald in Germany, who will share his pivotal insights into platelet factor 4 immunothrombotic disorders. His developments are key to the survival of patients with these rapidly progressive and commonly fatal disorders. Andreas is a global leader in laboratory haematology, and will highlight his landmark discoveries, in honour of Sir John Dacie’s lasting legacy (https://www.rcpath.org/resource-report/2025-john-dacie-lecture-by-professor-andreas-greinacher.html).
It's impossible to pick out recommendations for next week’s conference. The programme is rich and varied, and you will have the opportunity to learn much and come away feeling inspired by the brilliance, dedication and enthusiasm of the presenters. We are committed to facilitating access and time for research and personal development. We know from surveys that this enhances enjoyment and job satisfaction. And these activities are vital in further progressing our field of medicine and pathology.
These values are shared by Dr Mumtaz Patel, whom we congratulate on being elected President of the Royal College of Physicians. Mumtaz is a nephrologist at Manchester Royal Infirmary and has been acting President of the RCP for the last year. Over 20 years, she has had several key educational roles and is committed to the welfare and development of the next generation. The aims and objectives of the RCP align to those of the BSH and we will continue to work together to drive forward the necessary changes to enhance our workforce and advance patient care.
We have submitted our response to the Change NHS plan. Using data from our workforce project we outlined the challenges and enablers for each of the three government aims, with strategic emphasis moving from treatment to prevention, hospital to community-based care and from an analogue system to a digital one. Aligned to these goals, we have proposed quick wins and mid- and long-term plans for haematology, which would improve lives for healthcare professionals and patients.
We are also finalising our contribution to the National Cancer Plan. We strongly advocate for greater inclusion and recognition of blood cancers, which account for approximately 10% of all cancer diagnoses in the UK and present diagnostic and treatment challenges distinct from solid tumours. Haematology has long been at the forefront of cancer research and innovation, including CAR-T therapies and targeted treatments. Workforce support, investment in high-quality laboratory services for diagnosis and monitoring, and robust backing for clinical trial access and translational research across haematological malignancies will be key to improving patient outcomes.
The Better Bone Marrow project is gaining pace, with the formation of a guideline group and both surveys live. Thank you for all the responses which are being received. I have submitted the BSH reply (link) to the coroner’s Regulation 28 Prevention of Future Deaths Report, indicating our activities and commitment to ensure safety of patients.
Interviews have just taken place for the third and final BSH visit to Zambia. After our visit to Lusaka and Ndole last summer, we were committed to the project’s sustainability without the need for further BSH funding. I’m pleased to report that this is thriving. We have established three online collaborative sessions per month, including Paediatric Haematology teaching, a haematology MDT, and Obstetric Haematology. I kicked off the first of the monthly Obstetric haematology lectures with a discussion on the appropriate use of blood components in obstetrics, to reduce death from haemorrhage whilst also reducing wastage of these precious resources. Maternal mortality in Zambia is declining but is still twice the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of < 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
If you would like to deliver a teaching session, please contact Sajida Kazi, lead for the Obstetric Haematology Special Interest Group. Health Volunteers Overseas will continue the regular, in-person support for Zambia, which will be spotlighted during the ASM at the Global SIG session.
See you in bonnie Glasgow, if not during the busy daytimes, at the conference evening event.