New medical advisory group launched

Written by Sam Wilson, December 13, 2023

We have changed the way we review medical and scientific information by widening the range of experts who serve on our advisory panel.

Our new Medical and Scientific Advisory Group (MASAG) contains volunteer representatives from across bleeding disorder care, including specialisms such as dentistry and physiotherapy as well as specialist nurses and consultants.

The group replaces our previous advisory panel, called the Clinical Advisory Group, and aligns with global bleeding disorder good practice. The European Haemophilia Consortium (EHC) has also widened the scope of its advisory panel.

MASAG members confirmed so far are:

· Dr Gary Benson, Director of the NI Haemophilia Centre, Belfast

· Cathy Harrison, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Haemophilia and other Haemostasis Disorders  Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 

· Natalie Lawson, Haemophilia Specialist Nurse, Birmingham Children’s Hospital

· Dr Lochana Nanayakkara, Consultant in Restorative Dentistry for Barts Health NHS Trust. Clinical Lead for people with inherited bleeding disorders at the Royal London Dental Hospital

· Dr Susie Shapiro, Associate Professor of Haematology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Oxford University

· Dr Mary Mathias, Haemophilia Consultant, Great Ormond Street Hospital

· Dr Suthesh Sivapalaratnam, Haemophilia Centre Director, Royal London Hospital

· Anna Wells, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in Haemophilia and Allied Bleeding Disorders, Southern Haemophilia Network, Basingstoke

As a charity, we do not provide medical advice, but we often receive questions which need a clinical opinion. In this instance, we would ask the relevant experts on MASAG. We would also consult the group if there was clarification needed on trials, research or emerging trends in treatment and care.

An additional function of the group will be to keep us informed of trends and developments within bleeding disorder care.

We have revised MASAG’s terms of reference which state that publications and statements must be reviewed by at least three different members from at least two different disciplines.

We hope to expand the group to include more specialisms shortly.