Acute Sickle Cell Unit now running 24/7
People in south-east London living with sickle cell disease are set to benefit from a big change at our Acute Sickle Cell Unit (ASCU) at University Hospital Lewisham. Starting this week, the unit will run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide round the clock, rapid access care for patients experiencing a sickle cell crisis.
Our unit is one of five pilot sites across the country working to improve access to treatment for patients experiencing a sickle cell crisis. The unit provides patients an alternative route to bypass traditionally lengthy waits in Emergency Departments, and instead receive treatment in a dedicated unit within the recommended 30-minute target by clinicians who understand and are specially trained.
Sickle cell disease is a serious and lifelong health condition that can cause severe pain and anaemia. It is the most common genetically inherited blood conditions in the UK, affecting around 18,000 people. The condition mainly affects individuals of Black Caribbean or Black African descent, but is also found among those with Mediterranean, Asian, and Middle Eastern heritage.
A sickle cell crisis can be serious or even fatal if left untreated for an extended period, so acting fast is key to improving outcomes. Since opening in January 2025, our ASCU has consistently surpassed the national 30 minute target, and on average, patients receive treatment within 8 minutes of arriving at hospital.
Dr Tullie Yeghen, Haematologist and Lead Haemoglobinopathy Consultant said: “The achievement of 24/7 opening of our ASCU is a crucial milestone towards excellence in healthcare for our large population of sickle cell patients, to which every member of our Haemoglobinopathy team is committed.
“Round the clock access to treatment by a team of specialist Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) alleviates the burden of living with a painful, unpredictable and potentially life-threatening condition, while developments in our staffing structure including Psychology, Transition and automated exchange transfusion services provide the necessary patient support beyond ASCU.”
“This success would not have been possible without the dedication of our ACP to a stringent training program, and the amazing feedback and enthusiasm of our patients.”
Michael Barns, Lead Advanced Clinical Practitioner and Consultant Paramedic said: “We are all very proud of the significant impact we have had improving the management of patients presenting with sickle cell crisis and are happy to extend the unit’s operating times to cover 24/7 access.
“This is a clear show of intent; that all patients who are suffering a sickle cell crisis have access to a dedicated unit, staffed with clinicians who understand the disease, know and care for their patients personally, and deliver the highest level of care.”
Our Trust is proud to serve the UK’s fifth largest sickle cell population. Switching to 24-hour operation reinforces our commitment to provide exceptional care whenever a crisis happens and aligns with our goal to address healthcare inequalities for people living with sickle cell.
Lewisham Mayor, Brenda Dacres and Cllr Paul Bell with members of the Acute Sickle Cell Unit team