Treatment
HOW IT WORKS
How treatment works
Our five-stage pathway keeps things simple. The online wizard helps guide you towards the right appointment; your doctor makes all treatment decisions after reviewing your individual circumstances.
Complete the online wizard
ONLINE ASSESSMENT & BOOKING
1
Begin with our short online wizard. It will ask about your iron levels and whether you already have recent blood-test results. If you do not have results, you will be offered help to arrange the necessary tests. If the wizard suggests an iron infusion may be appropriate, you can book an initial online GP consultation.
After you book, before your consultation
Look out for your secure questionnaire
We will email you a link to a secure medical questionnaire. Please complete your medical history and upload copies of your blood-test results before your appointment. If you do not yet have the tests you need, we will explain how they can be arranged.
Initial GP consultation
YOUR ONLINE APPOINTMENT
2
At your online consultation, a GP reviews your symptoms, medical history, blood-test results and previous treatment. You can ask questions and discuss the benefits, risks and alternatives. Together you will agree a personalised plan. If intravenous iron is suitable, the usual next step is to book your in-person infusion appointment; sometimes further tests, oral iron or referral are more appropriate.
Your in-person iron infusion
TREATMENT AT THE CLINIC
3
Attend Humber Therapy Centre in Beeston for your prescribed Ferinject infusion. Your clinician will check your identity, allergies, consent and any changes in your health before inserting a small cannula into a vein and starting the drip. You will be monitored throughout.
YOUR APPOINTMENT
A little more about your infusion appointment
We aim to make your visit straightforward, calm and reassuring. The infusion time varies with the prescribed dose; we will tell you what time to allow for your appointment, including the observation period afterwards.
We confirm your details, consent, allergies and any changes in your health.
Your clinician checks your observations and treatment plan.
A small cannula is placed into a vein for the infusion.
You are monitored during treatment and for at least 30 minutes afterwards.
You leave with aftercare advice, a clear follow-up plan and details of our advice line.
Please tell us immediately if you feel unwell, develop itching or a rash, feel dizzy or breathless, or have pain, swelling or burning around the cannula site.
Monitoring
AT THE CLINIC
4
After your infusion, you will need to be observed for at least 30 minutes. During this time, you can enjoy complimentary hot drinks and Half the Story Cookies in one of our comfortable recovery rooms. Before leaving, you will receive clear aftercare advice.
Follow-up review
AFTER TREATMENT
5
We will arrange or agree your optional follow-up review and any appropriate repeat blood tests to check your response, review symptoms and discuss next steps. Haemoglobin is generally reassessed no sooner than four weeks after the final infusion, unless an earlier test is clinically needed. We will share a summary of care provided with your usual GP where appropriate and agreed by you.
What if you need more than one infusion? Your dose and number of visits are determined by your clinician. If a second infusion is required, it must be separately assessed and prescribed and take place at least seven days after the first. We do not give a 1,500 mg course on the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the consultation?
You will have online anaemia consultation with a GMC registered doctor to review whether an iron infusion is appropriate. The consultation process will include review of symptoms, relevant medical history and blood results; the clinic will confirm any additional steps required.
How is an iron infusion given?
A small cannula is inserted into a vein in the arm, and the prescribed iron medicine is carefully administered intravenously over time. The clinical team checks observations and monitors you during treatment.
How long does the infusion take?
The infusion itself can take around 15–30 minutes . Allow extra time for assessment, preparation and post-infusion monitoring; you will need to stay in the clinic for 30 minutes after your infusion so we can make sure you are well before leaving. In this time, we will of course offer you a hot drink and ethical biscuits from Half the Story.
Will I be monitored during and after the infusion?
You will be closely monitored by medical staff both during, and after the procedure. In the unlikely event of complication, the clinic and staff are fully trained and equipped to deal with arising complications and emergencies such as anaphylaxis, which are rare.
Will I need one infusion or more than one?
Most people need only one infusion, while others may need additional treatment depending on their iron deficit, weight, blood results, the product used and their response. The clinician will determine the dose and whether another infusion is needed.
Which iron medicine does the clinic use?
We use Ferinject (ferric carboxymaltose) at 500 mg, 1,000 mg and 1,500 mg strengths depending on the needs of the patient. The dose and product actually offered will be confirmed by the treating clinician and checked against current product guidance; a listed price option does not mean that dose is suitable for every patient.
Can I drive home after my infusion?
After a short recovery period, in the vast majority of cases yes. This will be discussed at your initial assessment, and again on the day - the clinic will provide advice based on how you feel after treatment. If you feel dizzy, unwell or experience a reaction, do not drive; follow the clinical team’s discharge advice.