Dr Branislav Czako

n the Department of Clinical Haematology and Stem Cell Transplant Centre at University Hospital Bratislava between 2006 and 2008. During this time, I also held a position as a lecturer at the Medical Faculty of Comenius University.In July 2008, I moved to the United Kingdom and, in February 2009, was appointed to a substantive Consultant Haematologist post at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, where I continue to work.

Throughout my career in the UK, I have undertaken a number of additional NHS leadership roles, including Clinical Lead for Haematology, Lead for the Haematology Multidisciplinary Team, Trust Lead for the Chemotherapy Service, and Lead for the Haematology Day Unit. I continue to serve in several of these roles today.

I specialise in the full spectrum of malignant and non-malignant haematological conditions and offer expert assessment, diagnosis, and management of a wide range of blood disorders.My areas of expertise include the investigation and management of various types of anaemia, haemochromatosis, and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS).I provide investigation, interpretation of results, and management of abnormal blood counts, including low or high white blood cell counts (neutropenia, leucopenia, neutrophilia, and leucocytosis), elevated red blood cell counts (erythrocytosis and polycythaemia), and low or high platelet counts (thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis).I have extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of haematological malignancies, including high-grade and low-grade lymphomas, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL), Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML), multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative neoplasms such as Polycythaemia Vera, Essential Thrombocythaemia, and Myelofibrosis.I also provide testing and interpretation of results for thrombophilia and bleeding disorders.In addition, I offer treatments including iron infusions, oral chemotherapy, and therapeutic venesection.Consultations are available either face-to-face at the Spire Bushey Diagnostic Centre or remotely via video consultation (Microsoft Teams or Zoom) or telephone, at a time convenient for the patient.

I am a Consultant Haematologist practising at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Spire Bushey Hospital. With more than 20 years of experience in the field of haematology, I provide specialist expertise in the diagnosis, investigation, and management of a broad spectrum of haematological conditions, encompassing both malignant and non-malignant blood disorders.

I provide expert haematology advice to psychiatrists managing patients receiving clozapine treatment. Clozapine is an important medication for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, but it can be associated with blood cell abnormalities, including neutropenia, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, as well as other non-haematological toxicities.I offer specialist haematological assessment, investigation, and guidance to support the safe use of clozapine, working closely with mental health teams to interpret blood results and manage haematological complications when they arise.I provide haematology advice and support to mental health teams across England and Ireland, helping to ensure patients can continue to receive the most appropriate treatment while maintaining their safety and wellbeing.