CUH sickle cell service is part of the non-malignant haematology service. It offers comprehensive and expert advice in the management of sickle cell disease
The team consists of consultant haematologists, haematology registrars, medical trainees, clinical nurse specialists, physiotherapists and a clinical psychologist. The service offers a full specialist service to patients including access to our onsite automated red cell exchange, phlebotomy, and the haematology day unit.
The aim of the service is to enable patients with sickle cell disease to live as normal a life as possible, by ensuring optimal treatment of their medical, physical and psychosocial needs.
Our services include:
- Emergency treatment of sickle cell crisis
- Individualised acute care management plans
- Regular assessments, reviews and screening
- Physiotherapy
- Monthly support group meetings
- Dedicated specialist adult nurses
- Genetic testing and counselling
- Psychological support and counselling
- Information and advice for health care professionals and carers
- Participation in clinical research
- Specialist haemostasis laboratory
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a rare blood disorder that can lead to serious acute and long term complications. This disease can have episodes of severe acute pain from blocked vessels with sickled cells which is also called vaso occlusive crises (VOC). The pain can be severe and last for several days or weeks. The pain may be described sharp, stabbing, intense, or throbbing. How severe it is and how long it lasts varies with different people and different crises.
Our SCD patients are offered individualised care plans to manage acute pain crisis which can be presented on admission to accident and emergency and is the key to prompt, correct management and reducing ED and hospitalisation episodes.
Clinics
The consultant led clinic consultation and annual reviews operate every second and fourth Friday of the month.
The team is available Monday to Friday, 8:00 - 17:00 for specialist advice, genetic counselling, screening, support, education, health promotion and urgent review.
To change appointment
If you cannot attend your clinic appointment, please call us in advance on 01223 274652 so we can offer the appointment to another patient.