Dr Saad Al-Ismail is a Consultant Haematologist at Sancta Maria Hospital, Swansea. He served as Senior Consultant Haematologist in Swansea for 36 years before retiring from NHS services, and continues to provide private haematology services at Sancta Maria in haematological cancers, thrombosis and haemostasis. He is one of the most experienced haematologists practising in Wales, having developed comprehensive clinical and laboratory haematology services for the region over more than three decades.

Specialist Interests

• Haematological cancers (leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma)
• Thrombosis and haemostasis
• Bleeding and clotting disorders
• Anticoagulation management
• Anaemia
• General haematology

Conditions Treated at Sancta Maria Hospital

Dr Al-Ismail offers private haematology consultations at Sancta Maria Hospital for a wide range of blood disorders including haematological cancers, bleeding and clotting disorders, thrombosis, anticoagulation management and anaemia. He also provides presentations and educational updates for GPs and other clinicians on topics including direct oral anticoagulants, atrial fibrillation management and when to refer to a haematologist.

Career and NHS Achievements

Over his 36-year NHS career at Swansea Bay University Health Board, Dr Al-Ismail established and led several major haematology services for Wales, including:

• Developing the comprehensive clinical and laboratory haematology service in Swansea, including bone marrow transplantation
• Founding and directing the Swansea Haemophilia Centre
• Serving as MDT and Bone Marrow Transplant Lead Consultant Haematologist
• Medical Director and Lead Cancer Clinician, South West Wales Cancer Network (2000-2011)
• Chair, New Medicine Group, All Wales Medicine Strategy Group
• Co-Chair, Cancer Commissioning Group, Swansea Bay University Health Board
• Chair, Thrombosis and Anticoagulation Committee, Swansea Bay University Health Board
• Principal Clinical Investigator in Haematology, leading national and international clinical trials

Research and Teaching

Dr Al-Ismail has over 50 scientific publications, with research cited over 580 times in the academic literature. He has been Principal Investigator on numerous national and international haematology clinical trials, and served as Senior Clinical Tutor at Swansea University Medical School. His most recent research has focused on quality of life in patients with blood disorders.

Training and Background

Dr Al-Ismail graduated first in his year from Baghdad Medical School in 1970 before undertaking postgraduate training and building a distinguished career in haematology in the United Kingdom.

Professional Memberships

• Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London (FRCP)
• Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath)
• Member, American Society of Haematology
• Member, European Society of Haematology