The term amyloidosis describes a group of disorders caused by abnormal folding, aggregation and accumulation of certain proteins in the tissues, in an abnormal form known as amyloid deposits.
Amyloidosis is classified according to the protein that forms the amyloid fibrils, and the clinical picture and symptoms can differ greatly between one amyloid type and another. There are various types of amyloidosis. Different proteins are implicated in different types of amyloids.
The National Amyloidosis Centre (NAC) is currently the only commissioned centre in England which offers a specialised centre of excellence for patients with amyloidosis and is funded via NHS Specialised Commissioning to provide diagnosis and treatment advice for these patients. The increase in patient numbers has meant that the service has outgrown its capacity. In September 2024, NHS England, Highly Specialised Services invited suitably qualified and experienced providers to express interest in delivering services in amyloidosis. In February 2024, the Amyloidosis Networked Model of Care competitive tender outcome established that two hubs will form part of the first wave of the network expansion, thus enabling the extension of expertise across the country and improve access for patients.
This project is aimed at supporting, via a collaborative working agreement between the Morriston Hospital, University Hospital of Wales and The Grange University Hospital and Pfizer UK Ltd., the delivery of a comprehensive plan to educate, improve disease
awareness, develop operational capabilities and deliver patient focused services with equity, all targeted at improving clinical pathways across South Wales.
The project will fund the provision of three Band 7 nurses working one day a week as Amyloidosis Band 7 nurse coordinators to support the care of patients with amyloidosis. This approach aims to ensure that there is a thorough and coordinated clinical pathway to assess amyloidosis patients through local multidisciplinary teams (MDT) and ensure access to diagnostics and licensed treatments in a timely manner.
Planned start date: 1st September 2025.
Planned end date: 1st September 2027.
Pfizer Ltd will contribute:
-
Funding:
-
Band 7 nurse coordinator - Morriston Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board: £25,288.40
-
Band 7 nurse coordinator - The Grange Hospital, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board: £25,288.40
-
Band 7 nurse coordinator - University Hospital Wales, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board: £25,288.40
-
Human resource: 382.5 hours (£17,212.50 thus £5,737.50 per organisation)
-
Total transfer of value: £93,077.70* (£31,025.90 per organisation)
*This is calculated as the sum of the direct financial contribution by Pfizer PLUS the benefit in kind value of the human resources provided by Pfizer.
Morriston Hospital, University Hospital of Wales and The Grange University Hospital will contribute: