TB centre of excellence helping to advance care
A research project is currently underway across Barts Health to advance care for complex patients with Tuberculosis Meningitis (an infection of the brain) and Spinal Tuberculosis.
The project, which is part of the Queen Mary and Barts Health Tuberculosis Centre, has included the set up of the first neurological review clinic of its kind, led by Dr Veronica White and Dr Angharad Davis. It brings together experts in TB, neurology, neuropsychology, physiotherapy, nursing, plus patient advocates with lived experience.
Over the last six months, 18 patients have been assessed by the clinic which has resulted in them being put onto new care pathways to support their care. The clinic provides early input of the multidisciplinary team from the time of diagnosis, throughout their treatment and where necessary ongoing care for patients who have completed treatment but are suffering from long-term complications. This includes a one-to-one peer support service led but TB survivors.
The team is further progressing care for all Tuberculosis patients with moving diagnostic capabilities from the laboratory to the clinic, speeding up diagnosis from weeks to hours.
Dr Angharad Davis, neurology consultant at Barts Health NHS Trust, said: “It’s been a huge privilege to be able to develop this truly patient-centred service for those affected by neurological TB in East London.
"This one stop clinic aims to identify and address all needs of our patients - beyond just the biomedical - from the point of diagnosis to treatment completion and beyond this where necessary. Our hope is that in doing so, we will lessen the burden of disability for patients and their carers affected by this often devastating and life-changing disease."
Funded by Barts Charity, the Queen Mary and Barts Health TB centre for excellence was launched in 2025 in order help meet the rising need for improved healthcare and scientific research. It was established in order to bring together clinical specialists, researchers and local advocates and help tackle tuberculosis in East London, which has the highest number of newly diagnosed cases of TB in Western Europe.
Alongside this project, the centre has also been involved in providing easier and quicker ways to diagnose TB as well as providing a platform for patient voices.