Rob Lees

I have worked for NHSBT for over 20 years now as a Biomedical Scientist in the Red Cell Immunohaematology ( RCI) lab , and more recently gaining equivalence to Clinical Scientist registration. In 2023 I was selected to undertake the Higher Specialist Scientific Training ( HSST) programme to become a Consultant Clinical Scientist , specialising in transfusion.
Over the last few years of being a clinical Scientist/ HSST candidate, I have been involved in regional Haemoglobinopathy MDT’s and from that have had input on patient cases at the National Haemoglobinopathy panels ( NHP’s). I have been responsible for generating transfusion plans with clinicians to determine options for haemoglobinopathy patients with multiple or rare blood group requirements.
As a Biomedical Scientist I have for years provided scientific support and crossmatched numerous units for haemoglobinopathy patients with complex serological needs, however now as a trainee consultant clinical Scientist I am able to use my experience of the serology and transfusion to guide clinical discussions and provide the best level of care possible to the haemoglobinopathy patients we manage. Being part of the HaemMatch project is a privilege and will help me to further my knowledge of the complications faced by our Haemoglobinpoathy patients and provide better matched blood for them in the future.