National Hospital, Queen's Square, London

The Charles Dent Metabolic Unit (CDMU) is one of the largest and longest established services for the treatment of adolescents and adults with a whole variety of inherited metabolic diseases. The unit is now based at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery as part of the 3-star University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. In April 2005 CDMU was designated as one of six centres nationwide to care for patients with Lysosomal
Storage Diseases.

Referrals are received from throughout the UK and we currently have over 1200 patients, including those with MPS diseases, seen within the department for diagnosis, out-patient visits, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), specialist education, support and follow up.

Access to the Trust's facilities and close proximity to Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and associated specialist teams at University College London and Institute of Child Health allows smooth transition of care and ease of routine assessments and specialist opinion.

We are a growing team consisting of two consultants, a research registrar, chemical pathologist, clinical nurse specialist, research nurse, dieticians, research dieticians and administrators. Visiting consultants from around the world have also taken the opportunity to observe clinics run within the unit.

ERT for MPS and Fabry is initiated in our infusion unit by Alison Cousins (Clinical Nurse Specialist). Options for transfer to home infusions are individual; most opt for home infusions and some are even independent with their infusions. Follow up care is with a named nurse which fosters continuity.

The CDMU has a strong clinical research focus with dedicated research projects in drug development as well as the monitoring of present drugs and disease progression.

Members of the department participate in many national and international steering groups, advisory boards and conferences alike. Patient specific study days held by the department and in conjunction with other NCG centres receive very positive feedback.

Who are we and how can you contact us?

Dr Robin Lachmann, Head of Clinic:  robin.lachmann@uclh.nhs.uk

Dr Elaine Murphy, Consultant Physician:  elaine.murphy@uclh.nhs.uk

Eleni Owen, Secretary:  eleni.owen@uclh.nhs.uk
Phone 0207 8298778

Alison Cousins, Clinical Nurse Specialist:  alison.cousins@uclh.nhs.uk
0207 8373611 ext 3606

Ana Amado Fondo, Clinical Nurse Specialist:   anaAmado.fondo@uclh.nhs.uk

Amy Cole, Research Nurse:   amy.cole@uclh.nhs.uk
0207 8373611 ext 3607

Our postal address:
Charles Dent Metabolic Unit
Box 92
National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
Queen Square
London
WC1N 3BG

Our fax number:
0207 2092146