Dr. Kate Gardner
Chief Investigator
Guys & St.Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Dr Kate Gardner is a consultant haematologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust with a specialist interest in red cell disorders. She was awarded a PhD in 2017 during her Clinical Research Fellowship where she investigated the genetic basis of clinical variability in sickle cell disease. She has published both molecular research and clinical reviews in haemoglobinopathies.
Dr. Sara Stuart-Smith Principal Investigator Kings College Hospital London
Dr Sara Stuart-Smith a Haematology Consultant and co-lead of the adult haemoglobinopathy service at King’s College Hospital in London. She is chair of the South East London and South East Haemoglobinopathy Coordinating Centre, member of the National Sickle Pain Group, Chair of the British Society for Haematology General Haematology Task Force, and Principal Investigator and Sub-Investigator for several current and previous treatment trials and research studies into sickle cell disease.
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Dr. Rachel Kesse-Adu
Sub- Investigator
Guys & St.Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Dr. Rachel Kesse-Adu is a consultant haematologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and has specialist interest in Sickle Cell Disease. Her particular areas of interest in sickle are cardiorespiratory, chronic pain and urological complications of the condition, she runs joint specialist clinics in these areas. She is actively involved in clinical research in Sickle Cell Disease. Dr. Kesse-Adu is a medical advisor to the UK Sickle Cell Society and Chair of the UK forum on Haemoglobin Disorders.
Dr. Matthew Player
Principal Investigator
Nottingham University Hospital
Dr. Player is Adult Haemoglobinopathy Lead for Nottingham University Hospitals. He is passionate about improving care and outcomes for patients with Haemoglobinopathies and other Red Cell Disorders across the East Midlands. Dr Player is Deputy Clinical Lead for the East Midlands Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Network. His interests outside of work include spending time with family, Running/Cycling, Cricket and attending Church.
Sheila Azouji-Benjamin
Study Trial Manager
Guys & St.Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Sheila works at Guys Hospital and is the Study Trial Manager for the Natural History Study. She has over 10 years experience working in clinical research, trials, strategy and project management. Sheila has worked on both national and global clinical studies and has keen interest in Haematology and Ophthalmology.
Dr. Tullie Yeghen
Principal Investigator
Lewisham & Greenwich NHS TRUST
Tullie Yeghen was appointed to Lewisham Healthcare NHS Trust (formerly The Lewisham NHS Trust) as consultant haematologist in 2007. She has since developed the local services for patients with Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassaemia, including setting up a dedicated combined Hospital/Community adult Sickle Cell clinic and a Transition clinic (the latter with Dr Elizabeth Sleight, Consultant Paediatrician).