A conversation about health and care services for people with Sickle Cell October 2021

Sickle Cell is an inherited blood disorder that can cause lifelong health complications and for many people regular hospitalisation due to Sickle Cell “crisis” episodes - which can present risk to vital organs and require strong prescription pain management, including morphine.  
In Sandwell, there are estimated to be about 85 people affected by Sickle Cell. The Midlands region has the highest number of people with Sickle Cell outside of London, estimated to be around 600. More than 15,000 people in the UK have Sickle Cell disorder with around 300      babies born with Sickle Cell each year in the UK.1  Sickle Cell disorder can also affect families multi-generationally. 
The Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre at Birmingham City Hospital supports patients with day treatment services, including regular blood transfusions for some. It also provides specialist support service links, including hemoglobinopathy to hospitals in the Black Country and West Birmingham NHS Trust and within the Midlands region.