Our Team

Central Coast Haematology is an expanding practice that serves the entire Central Coast region. With extensive experience in haematology and excellent support staff, we aim to provide high-quality patient-focused care. We have three haematologists, a haematology nurse practitioner and three secretaries who will gladly assist you with any concerns with your diagnosis. Kellie, Brooke, and Denai are all efficient and empathetic members of the team who work with the medical staff in an administrative capacity.

Central Coast Haematology works closely off-site with allied health staff, the haematology support teams at Gosford and Wyong hospitals and national support groups such as the Leukemia Foundation and Myeloma Support Group. 

Meet our Medical Staff

Dr Cecily Forsyth

Dr Cecily Forsyth

Clinical Haematologist 
MBBS (HONS), FRACP, FRCPA

Dr Cecily Forsyth graduated in medicine from the University of Sydney, and after completing her training in haematology at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, she moved to the Central Coast of NSW to set-up practice as a clinical haematologist in 1996. She was appointed to the Central Coast Local Health District as a VMO Haematologist at Wyong Hospital in 1999.  

Dr Richard Blennerhassett

Dr Richard Blennerhassett

Clinical & Laboratory Haematologist 
BAppSci, MBBS (HONS), FRACP, FRCPA

Dr Richard Blennerhassett holds dual qualifications as a clinical and laboratory haematologist with fellowships from both the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. He specialises in all aspects of malignant and non-malignant haematology.

Dr Shalini Balendran

Dr Shalini Balendran

Clinical and Laboratory Haematologist
MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA

Dr Shalini Balendran obtained her medical qualifications at the University of Newcastle. She subsequently completed her haematology training at Westmead and Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney. Her commitment to excellence led her to pursue a lymphoma fellowship at Alfred Health, Melbourne in 2023.

Jacqui Jagger

Jacqui Jagger

Haematologist Nurse Practitioner
G. Dip BA (HONS), MN NP

Jacqui qualified as a registered nurse in 1990 in the north-east of England. She started her career in Haematology in 1995. Over the next five years, she became the nursing lead for haematology at Hull Royal Infirmary. She completed a Diploma in Cancer Nursing and a BA (HONS) in palliative care (specialist practitioner award). 

Never assume that a few caring people can’t change the world. For indeed, that’s all who ever have. 

Margaret Mead