New sickle cell day centre to open at Homerton Hospital
Peripheral blood smear showing sickle cells. Photograph: Ed Uthman
A new day care centre for patients with sickle cell disease and thalassemia will open at Homerton Hospital on Thursday 18 October.
Sickle cell disease is a hereditary disorder of the red blood cells which predominately affects those of African Caribbean heritage.
Dr Roger Amos, consultant haematologist at the hospital said: “Sickle cell disease and thalassemia are common problems in our local community.
“The new expanded day care facility offers immediate access to expert doctors and nurses, together with all the other innovations which have been put in place over the past 12 months.”
He added: “These include a psychology and social care liaison service, together with equipment to deliver efficient automated red cell exchange blood transfusions which, I believe, will make a global impact on our patients’ quality of life.”
Nancy Hallett, the Homerton Hospital trust’s chief executive, told the Hackney Citizen earlier this year: “The Homerton currently manages 800 people with sickle cell disease but there are very many more people in Hackney who carry the risk factor (for having a child with sickle).
“Sickle cell disease is a serious condition associated with disability and reduced life span.
“We have inpatient and day case beds for patients presenting in sickle crisis. Screening in pregnancy or preparation for pregnancy is also a major part of our work. More space, more services and more support for sickle patients are very much needed.”
The Medical Day unit at Homerton Hospital, open from 7am to 9pm, provides medical and nursing care and also offers counselling and psychological support for those with the condition and those who carry the sickle cell gene and could pass it onto their children.
The new Sickle Cell Day Centre is based in the Bryning Unit and will be opened at 5pm on Thursday 18 October.
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