Dr Iresha Dharmasena is a highly experienced and respected Consultant Haematologist at Chaucer Hospital and Kent and Canterbury Hospital, part of the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust. With more than two decades of clinical and academic experience, she is dedicated to providing compassionate, specialist care for patients with a wide range of haematological conditions.

Dr Dharmasena began her haematology career in 2005 as a Specialist Registrar at the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. She completed her MD in Haematology in 2011, before undertaking two years of advanced overseas training with East Kent Hospitals. During this period, she developed a strong interest in treating haematological malignancies, shaping the direction of her future clinical practice. She was appointed as a Consultant Haematologist in 2013 and returned to East Kent Hospitals as a consultant in 2020, where she continues to make significant contributions to the service.

Her clinical expertise encompasses the diagnosis and management of a broad spectrum of haemato-oncological disorders. She has particular interest in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN), Myelodysplasia Syndromes (MDS), and lymphoid malignancies. Dr Dharmasena leads outpatient clinics for patients with haematological cancers and MPNs, providing ongoing monitoring, treatment planning, and supportive care. She also assesses haematology referrals from a range of other medical specialties and performs bone marrow biopsies as part of diagnostic and follow up pathways.
In her day to day practice,

Dr Dharmasena offers senior clinical oversight for patients receiving chemotherapy in the Haematology Day Units across East Kent. As part of her broader diagnostic role, she is actively involved in interpreting and authorising blood films and bone marrow aspirates. Her commitment to high quality, safe patient care is also reflected in her participation in on call duties as ward attending consultant on the Haemato-oncology ward.

Alongside her clinical work, Dr Dharmasena is deeply engaged in research and innovation. She serves as a sub investigator on clinical trials that aim to improve treatment options and outcomes for patients with complex blood cancers. Her academic contributions include achieving an MPhil from the University of Colombo for her research into haematological disease.

Passionate about education and professional development, she plays an active role in training junior doctors and specialty registrars. Known for her supportive teaching style and collaborative approach, she is widely regarded as a valued member of the East Kent Haematology community.

Clinical interests

• Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
• Lymphoma
• Myelodysplasia Syndrome

• Royal College of Pathologists
• British Society for Haematology