Medical Information


Medical Information

Medical Professionals

Alström Syndrome is a rare, genetic disorder described by CH Alström in Sweden in 1959.

This section of the website presents a clinical overview of the condition, treatment strategies, a suggested annual review for patients and research both published and underway.

Contact Details

Via Prof. Barrett’s Administrator 0121 333 9267

Or for emergencies, Prof Timothy Barrett via hospital switchboard on 0121 333 9999

Call Dr. Tarek Hiwot on 07979 127826 when seeking medical advice, for example if you are in accident and emergency. You can pass this number on to relevant medical professionals.

Alternatively you can call the Queen Elizabeth switchboard on 0121 627 2000

Professor Timothy Barrett: Professor of Paediatrics & Paediatric Lead for the Alström Service

Dr Melanie Kershaw: Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist

Kirsty Mobberley: Paediatric Diabetes Liaison Nurse

Denise Williams: Consultant Clinical Geneticist

Dr Ashish Chikermane: Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist

Catarina Leal: Paediatric Diabetes Dietitian

Jemma Mears & Elizabeth Wright: Physiotherapists

Sarah Turner: Assistant Psychologist

Marie McGee: Transition Coordinator

Conor McElroy: Clinic Coordinator

A member from the Psychology team will also be available

Dr Tarek Hiwot – Consultant in IMD

Dr Charlotte Dawson – Consultant in IMD

Kelly Watkins – Medical Secretary

Sarah Steeds – Specialist Nurse

Helen Gallagher – Specialist Nurse

Louise Robertson – Specialist Dietitian

Sarah Howe – Specialist Dietitian

Clare Dale – Specialist Dietitian

Antonio Ochoa-Ferraro – Specialist Pharmacist

Dr Anne-Marie Walker – Psychology

Vishy Veeranna – Research Charge Nurse

Nicola Condon – Physiotherapist

Dr Shanat Baig: Clinical Research Fellow, Cardiology / Inherited Metabolic Disorders

Vishy Veeranna: Research Charge Nurse

NHS Stay Well This Winter
Don’t put off your vaccinations!

 The Stay Well This Winter (SWTW) campaign has launched which encourages vulnerable people including people with long-term health conditions and anyone aged over 65 to get the free flu jab.

Alström Syndrome specialists also advise that the pneumococcal vaccine should be given every 5 years if you are affected by a complex condition such as Alström Syndrome.

The pneumococcal vaccine protects against serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal infections. It’s also known as the “pneumo jab” or pneumonia vaccine. Further information about this vaccine can be found via the NHS website, please click the link below to visit website.

Visit Website

Flu is a highly infectious disease and can lead to serious complications if you have a long-term health condition, for example: chronic respiratory disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, or emphysema; diabetes; heart, kidney or liver disease; chronic neurological diseases, like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy; or have suffered a stroke.  People with these and other long-term health conditions are eligible for a free flu jab through their GP or pharmacist.

The free vaccine is also offered to other groups at particular risk of infection and complications, anyone aged 65 and over; residents of long-stay care homes; carers; and pregnant women. Children aged 2, 3 and 4 and in school years 1, 2 and 3 are also being offered a free flu vaccination.

Those eligible should contact their GP or pharmacist as appropriate, to arrange vaccination. And if you are the main carer of an older or disabled person you may be eligible for the free flu jab, speak to your GP.

If you are eligible for the flu vaccine get it now – it’s free because you need it. Contact your GP, pharmacist or midwife to the get the flu jab.

Visit www.nhs.uk/staywell  for more information.