Actress Emma Thompson opens TB centre
Award winning actress Emma Thompson officially opened a new TB centre for North London on 8 October 2014.
The new centre, based at The Whittington Hospital, is part of a new TB Service in North Central London which aims to reduce the capital’s high number of new Tuberculosis (TB) cases.
The new centre, based at The Whittington Hospital, is part of a new TB Service in North Central London which aims to reduce the capital’s high number of new Tuberculosis (TB) cases.
It uses the latest methods to test and treat people with suspected or known TB, bringing together specialist doctors and clinicians from Whittington Health and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) to provide the best and quickest care for people with TB.
Emma Thompson’s son, Tindy Agaba, who also attended the official opening, was diagnosed and received treatment for TB three years ago. Emma said: “I’m pleased to be here to raise awareness of this treatable disease. TB affects many people, and we have seen an alarming rise in the amount of cases in and around London.
Emma Thompson’s son, Tindy Agaba, who also attended the official opening, was diagnosed and received treatment for TB three years ago. Emma said: “I’m pleased to be here to raise awareness of this treatable disease. TB affects many people, and we have seen an alarming rise in the amount of cases in and around London.
“Its important people talk about TB, understand how it can be contracted and how to spot the signs early. This wonderful new centre makes it easy for people to just walk in and get the treatment they need.”
A patient who has used the centre, Chris Pearson, 39, from Bayswater said: “Like most people my age I thought TB was a disease from the 19th century. When I was diagnosed with TB I was surprised and a little worried about what that meant for me. I was relived to find out that it can be easily treated with a six month course of antibiotics.
A patient who has used the centre, Chris Pearson, 39, from Bayswater said: “Like most people my age I thought TB was a disease from the 19th century. When I was diagnosed with TB I was surprised and a little worried about what that meant for me. I was relived to find out that it can be easily treated with a six month course of antibiotics.
“The new centre at The Whittington hospital offers expert medical support and care for anyone with TB, in a new and welcoming environment”
Dr Helen Booth, a thoracic medicine consultant from University College London Hospitals (UCLH) and clinical lead for the centre said: “This new centre is playing a vital role in addressing the problem of TB within London. It brings together expertise from a range clinical specialists, all working together to provide the best treatment for TB and care for our patients.
“The centre is open to anyone who would like to get tested for TB. If you’re suffering from any of the symptoms, such as having a cough for more than three weeks, night sweats or coughing up blood, then come to see us. The new centre also features extended opening hours and the ability to self-referral making it highly accessible.
“The centre’s main focus is to prevent TB in patients who have had contact with someone suffering from TB, and early diagnosis - reducing the damage that TB can do and lowering the risk of infecting other people."
The centre offers a free walk-in service two days a week, the ability to self refer and extended opening times enabling patients to be diagnosed and treated quicker.
Dr Helen Booth, a thoracic medicine consultant from University College London Hospitals (UCLH) and clinical lead for the centre said: “This new centre is playing a vital role in addressing the problem of TB within London. It brings together expertise from a range clinical specialists, all working together to provide the best treatment for TB and care for our patients.
“The centre is open to anyone who would like to get tested for TB. If you’re suffering from any of the symptoms, such as having a cough for more than three weeks, night sweats or coughing up blood, then come to see us. The new centre also features extended opening hours and the ability to self-referral making it highly accessible.
“The centre’s main focus is to prevent TB in patients who have had contact with someone suffering from TB, and early diagnosis - reducing the damage that TB can do and lowering the risk of infecting other people."
The centre offers a free walk-in service two days a week, the ability to self refer and extended opening times enabling patients to be diagnosed and treated quicker.
Since opening in April 2014, the centre has:
• Had almost 2000 appointments, 214 of which were for patients under the age of 16
• 349 people have attended a drop in appointment
• 345 people have attended an appointment for testing after being identified as a ‘contact’ of someone who has TB and need to be tested
• 83 people referred themselves to be seen and tested at the TB clinic
The centre is part of a new coordinated TB service for North Central London comprising two TB ‘hubs’ - one in the north of North Central London at the North Middlesex Hospital and The Whittington Hospital in the south. The service also features community-based care with outreach workers and a social care team.
• Had almost 2000 appointments, 214 of which were for patients under the age of 16
• 349 people have attended a drop in appointment
• 345 people have attended an appointment for testing after being identified as a ‘contact’ of someone who has TB and need to be tested
• 83 people referred themselves to be seen and tested at the TB clinic
The centre is part of a new coordinated TB service for North Central London comprising two TB ‘hubs’ - one in the north of North Central London at the North Middlesex Hospital and The Whittington Hospital in the south. The service also features community-based care with outreach workers and a social care team.
For more information and details on the service visit the TB Service North Central London website.
8 October 2014
Last updated10 Oct 2014