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T +27 (0)21 900 6277
E reception@haemalife.co.za

A 4G Riverside View Chambers
Netcare Kuils River Hospital
33 Van Riebeeck Road
Kuils River
7580


Welcome Letter

WELCOME TO OUR PRACTICE

The first few weeks of shock and uncertainty when cancer or a blood-related disease is diagnosed will be a traumatic experience and, in many ways, can rob you and your family of security as well as peace of mind.

It is our mission to provide the most advanced and comprehensive Haematology service in a compassionate and secure environment.

Dr Pieter de Witt, Dr Hannes Koornhof, Dr Michael Cass and Dr. Simon Brett, your treating Haematologists, are assisted by a team of competent nurses and staff to ensure that you will receive the correct treatment as prescribed.

We base all interactions with our patients and our Haemalife team members on our values:

  • Trust
  • Respect
  • Integrity
  • Passion
  • Care
  • Excellence

Our practice is run by a dynamic team. For any questions and concerns regarding appointments, contact our vibrant and compassionate Receptionist and Bookings Coordinator.

Practice Telephone Number: 021 900 6277

1. AT THE HEART OF HAEMALIFE

Medical treatment forms only a part of your journey at Haemalife. We recognise that, when cancer or a blood related disease is diagnosed, the whole family is affected by the experience. At Haemalife we have a holistic approach to treating our patients. We acknowledge and include the importance of body, mind and soul. To help you eliminate or deal with the uncertainty, please make use of the support services provided by our team.

2. SUPPORT SERVICES

When diagnosed with cancer, the shock and disbelief affects every aspect of your life. Assistance is available to all our patients and their families to help you cope with stress, anxiety and various other aspects experienced during the various phases of your illness. These stressors include the impact on your self-esteem, relationships, family life, work, friendships and attitude towards life. We offer support in the following ways:

  • Emotional support along the treatment journey for patients and their family members;
  • Linking with community resources, including accommodation for patients from far;
  • Special counselling sessions for our patients’ children and grandchildren to assist and prepare them in talking about their parents’ or grandparents’ cancer;
  • Facilitating disability applications and insurance claims;
  • Stress management;
  • Discharge planning;
  • Crisis management;
  • Transplant preparation and counselling;
  • Post-transplant preparation and counselling;
  • End of treatment counselling;
  • Emotional support and guidance;
  • Survivorship support counselling;
  • End of life counselling;
  • Bereavement counselling.

Please feel free to contact our Social Worker, Mariska Gericke, for more information or to set up an appointment.

3. DIET AND EXERCISE DURING TREATMENT

A high quality diet and maintaining mobility is important in sustaining your strength during the treatment process. We have an inhouse Physiotherapist, Liana Bence, and a Dietician, Stephanie de Vries, who will assist and support you.

4. DIAGNOSIS REGISTRATION WITH MEDICAL AID AND TREATMENT PLAN AUTHORIZATION

A treatment plan for your condition will be submitted to your Medical Aid by your treating doctor. It does, however, remain your responsibility to follow-up with your Medical Aid to ensure timeous authorization of your treatment.

5. ACCOUNTS

To ensure that financial queries do not become a stressor during your journey, we have constituted a team to assist with all questions you might have.  We strongly advise all patients to send all enquiries regarding Netcare Hospital accounts, Pathcare accounts, Radiology accounts, and Blood Services accounts, to the service provider as follows:

Chemotherapy and other treatments are often expensive and because Medical Schemes cannot guarantee full payment, you remain responsible for the settlement of all accounts.

It is important to note that your Medical Aid will sometimes not pay for certain consumables as well as the cost of transporting blood products after hours.

For any other concerns regarding your Haemalife account, please contact:

We realize that the diagnosis of a blood-related disease or cancer has significant financial impact and that it leads to great anxiety. We will gladly assist you with the completion of any claim forms and/or writing of medical reports.

It is important to note that these forms or reports often take a lot of time to complete, and that either the patient or the insurance company will be responsible for the fees involved.  The forms and reports can only be released once proof of payment has been received. For any insurance or claims forms please contact our social worker for assistance:

Kindly communicate any changes to your contact details and Medical Aid details as soon as possible.

6. IN CONCLUSION

We endeavour to provide you with the basic knowledge and information you will need during your treatment. However, no brochure can meet the needs of every individual, therefore we hope that you will feel free to discuss any problems and/or needs with us.

You and your family’s peace of mind during the treatment is important to us.  If any questions, side effects or problems arise that have not been covered in the information provided, please contact us to assist you.

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CLL

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a slow-growing cancer of B-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. In CLL, abnormal B-cells accumulate in the blood, bone marrow, and lymphoid tissues, often crowding out healthy cells and weakening the immune system.

Diagnosis is made through blood tests showing a high number of mature-looking lymphocytes, flow cytometry to confirm their identity, and sometimes bone marrow biopsy. Genetic testing helps predict disease course and guide treatment.

Types of CLL are classified mainly by genetic features (e.g., deletions of 17p, 13q, or mutations like TP53) and immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGHV) mutation status, which influence prognosis and therapy choice.

Treatment options depend on symptoms, disease progression, and risk factors. Many patients are initially monitored without treatment (“watch and wait”). When therapy is needed, options include targeted therapies (BTK inhibitors, BCL2 inhibitors), chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, and in select cases, stem cell transplantation. Supportive care focuses on managing infections and other complications.

MYELOMA

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. In MM, abnormal plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow, crowding out healthy cells and producing defective antibodies, which can cause organ damage.

Diagnosis involves blood tests (showing abnormal proteins or anemia), urine tests (detecting excess light chains), and a bone marrow biopsy. Imaging like X-rays, MRI, or PET/CT scans can detect bone lesions. Additional tests identify genetic changes that affect prognosis.

Types of Myeloma are often classified based on the type of abnormal protein produced (IgG, IgA, light-chain, etc.) and genetic features of the plasma cells. Smoldering (asymptomatic) myeloma is an early, slow-growing form.

Treatment options depend on age, health, and disease stage. Common approaches include chemotherapy, targeted therapies (like proteasome inhibitors or immunomodulators), immunotherapy (monoclonal antibodies), stem cell transplantation, and supportive care to manage bone disease, anemia, or kidney problems.

ALL

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow in which immature lymphoid cells (B or T lymphocytes) multiply uncontrollably, crowding out normal blood cells and impairing immune function.

Diagnosis involves blood tests showing abnormal lymphoblasts, followed by a bone marrow biopsy. Immunophenotyping, cytogenetic, and molecular testing are used to confirm the diagnosis, classify the subtype, and assess prognosis.

Types of ALL are classified based on the lymphocyte involved (B-cell or T-cell ALL) and specific genetic abnormalities. Certain subtypes, such as Philadelphia chromosome–positive ALL, have important treatment implications.

Treatment options depend on age, risk factors, and genetic findings. Therapy typically includes multi-phase chemotherapy, targeted therapies (such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors), immunotherapy (including monoclonal antibodies or CAR T-cell therapy), and in some cases stem cell transplantation. Supportive care is essential throughout treatment.

AML

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow in which abnormal myeloid cells multiply and crowd out normal blood cells, leading to anemia, infections, and bleeding.

Diagnosis is made through blood tests showing abnormal cells, followed by a bone marrow biopsy. Additional tests such as cytogenetic, molecular, and immunophenotyping studies help confirm AML and guide treatment.

Types of AML are classified based on cell appearance and genetic changes. Major systems include the WHO and FAB classifications. Subtypes are defined by specific chromosome or gene abnormalities, such as acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), which requires specialized therapy.

Treatment options depend on patient age, health, and AML subtype. They may include intensive chemotherapy, targeted therapies (such as FLT3 or IDH inhibitors), immunotherapy, and stem cell (bone marrow) transplantation. Supportive care, including antibiotics and blood transfusions, is also essential.