The psychological impact of treatments for leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other blood disorders are quite different to those of other cancers. There is no tumour to 'remove' from the body, and treatments involve the need for isolation from infection, making visiting and social contact very difficult for many weeks.

Emotional support during and after this period is, we feel, an essential part of treatment.

That's why we launched a revolution in blood cancer care: our Mind and Body Team

Our first team of dedicated counsellor and clinical psychologist support specifically designed for haematological patients will be located at King's College Hospital in London, for an initial period of two years. We hope to find that patients recover faster, need fewer medications and can be released from hospital sooner when they feel supported.

For the first time we will be able to measure and evaluate the difference made to patient recovery and wellbeing, and we hope to prove that providing top class emotional support, as well as excellent clinical care, will make a significant difference to patients and their families.

Ghulam Mufti, Professor of Haemato-oncology at King's College Hospital, said our Mind and Body Team was "globally unique". He added: "We are extremely grateful to Leukaemia UK for all the support that it has given us over the years. It is essential that we continue to research leukaemia to get rid of this disease but equally it is also important to support the body and mind, particularly the mind. The implications of treatments such as chemotherapy and transplants make the patient’s psychological journey huge and the Mind and Body Team’s work will reflect that. "

Philip Alexander, haemato-oncology counsellor and psychotherapist at King's believes the unique approach of the Leukaemia UK Mind and Body Team could prevent more serious forms of mental health problems. He said:

 "This is about coping and adjustment. We are about being there from the outset, helping people to adjust and to cope with the experience and maybe by doing this, we can in some cases prevent Post Traumatic Stress or depression from developing."