National Hospital, London - Charles Dent Metabolic Unit

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 the Unit currently has over 1200 patients, including those with Niemann-Pick Disease. who are seen within the department for diagnosis, out-patient visits, 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.

The CDMU consists 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.

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.

The CDMU team comprises:

Consultant - Dr Robin Lachmann

Secretary - Eleni Owen

Tel: 02078298778

Clinical Nurse Specialist - Alison Cousins

Tel: 02078373611 ext 3606

Research Nurse - Amy Cole

Tel: 02078373611 ext 3607

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

Fax: 02072092146