Welcome to the Eden Unit - Immunology
Immunodeficiency Clinic
These clinics are for patients with disorders of the immune system. We also see people with recurrent infections to see if the immune system is working properly. Most immune deficiencies are very rare and can be ruled out with a detailed clinical history and some simple blood tests. You can therefore expect to be asked lots of questions; we are particularly interested in the following things;
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Past history of serious, recurrent or unusual infections
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Please bring a list of your current medications; we may also ask you about medicines you have been on in the past such as chemotherapy or immune-suppressants.
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If and when you received the tetanus or pneumonia vaccination and other vaccinations
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Any family history of recurrent or unusual infections
If your Doctor requests blood tests they are usually taken on the day but because of the nature of the tests it is quite normal for the results to take a number of weeks to be available. We occasionally give vaccinations as part of the investigation process. If possible we try to do this on the day of your appointment but if not we will arrange for this to happen via your GP. If a vaccination is necessary, you may require additional blood tests some weeks later. These are usually taken by your GP and the results discussed as part of a follow up appointment.
What is the Eden Unit?
The Eden Unit is on Level 7 of Derriford Hospital; we care for patients with certain allergic diseases and disorders of the immune system. Our lead consultant is Dr Claire Bethune (consultant Clinical Immunologist). We hold a number of different clinics within the Eden Unit and see patients from across the entire South West Peninsula. We also have a daycase Unit where patients undergo specialist treatment or investigations. We are committed to training the next generation of Doctors and Nurses and regularly have medical and nursing students in the Eden Unit. We are also involved in research projects. We are committed to continually improving our service where we can. We conduct patient satisfaction questionnaires twice a year and are always happy to receive constructive feedback.
Immunodeficiency clinics are Doctor led and are usually held on Tuesdays. We conduct many of our follow up clinics by telephone to save our patients travelling long distances to see us. If this is appropriate for your case, it will be discussed during your first appointment.
Please read this information carefully as you may be required to bring certain things with you to your appointment or follow other instructions to ensure you get the most out of your clinic visit.
