Transfusion Research Network
Dr Michael Desborough
Consultant Haematologist, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Honorary Consultant Haematologist, NHS Blood and Transplant Associate Professor of Haematology, University of Oxford
Anna Mamwell
Transfusion 2024 Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Lead
NHSBT
For the past 9 years, Anna has advocated for patients, ensuring their involvement in healthcare research, cancer policy and NHS decision making. Through this, Anna has engaged and collaborated with people of diverse backgrounds and varied patient experiences to improve health outcomes and healthcare services. Anna is involved with educating and empowering patients and the public and works collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve the same goals.
As an acute leukaemia survivor, Anna has personal experience as a patient within the NHS and brings a wealth of knowledge to the role as the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Lead for Transfusion 2024. Anna works closely with the Programme Director, Programme Manager and project leads, helping to shape the strategy for Transfusion 2024, ensuring insights from patients and the public are considered in every step, identifying gaps and highlighting areas for improvement.
Anna will be heading a PPI focus group, actively involving patient partners from diverse backgrounds and with experiences as either blood donors or transfusion recipients.
Outside of work Anna enjoys volunteering, writing, music and living life to the full.
Laura Baglow-Micic
Transfusion 2024 Transfusion Research Network Manager
NHSBT
Laura is a state registered Biomedical Scientist who started her career in NHSBT in 2012 in Red Cell Immunohaematology. After four years she moved to another role in the International Blood Group Reference Laboratory, then in 2021 moved to Harrogate to become the Transfusion Laboratory Manager for Harrogate District Hospital.
In 2025 Laura took on the role of Transfusion Research Network Manager in the Transfusion 2024 team.
Laura brings a mix of research knowledge, NHSBT experience and experience on the frontline NHS. Laura’s new role is to create a research network to help healthcare professionals to become more involved in transfusion research, and to achieve greater transfusion trial recruitment from more diverse populations.
Outside of work, Laura enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family.