It's World Sickle Cell Day
On June 19, 2025, people across the globe will unite to observe World Sickle Cell Day; a day dedicated to raising awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic blood disorder affecting millions worldwide.
Sickle cell is the UK's fastest-growing genetic disorder which affects around 17,500 people. In recent years the demand for blood donations to treat patients with sickle cell has increased significantly.
It predominantly affects people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian descent. The condition can lead to severe pain, organ damage, and a reduced lifespan, making early diagnosis and comprehensive care essential.
Despite its prevalence, SCD often remains underrepresented in global health discussions. World Sickle Cell Day aims to change this narrative by amplifying the voices of those affected, advocating for better healthcare resources, and promoting public understanding of the disease.
What we’re doing to address inequality
Our Emergency Department (ED) Bypass Unit for Sickle Cell Patients, which has been operational since January this year, is a key part in the treatment of adults in our local communities who are living with sickle cell. The unit provides immediate and specialised care for patients experiencing sickle cell crises and related complications.
Since opening, the unit has treated over 250 patients, reduced the average waiting time from presentation to analgesia (pain relief) to just 12 minutes, and has cut the number of bed hours to 27.3 hours per admission.
The ED Bypass Unit addresses long standing feedback from sickle cell patients who have complained of the stigma associated with seeking pain relief, long and uncomfortable waits in emergency departments and a general misunderstanding of the condition.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and patients have complimented the focus on compassionate care, holistic management, a calmer environment, and breaking down barriers for patients who have been previously hesitant to seek help when it’s needed.
Improved care networks across London
Further afield, we're part of a growing network of Trusts working with London Ambulance Service to get sickle cell patients in crisis treated quicker.
St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust are part of a new initiative to enable patients to be directed to a specialist sickle cell unit instead of having to go via a hospital emergency department.
Read more about it here: Patients with painful genetic condition to get faster access to specialist care they need
Catch up with our acute paediatric team on World Sickle Cell Day
If you're at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Thursday 19 June, pop along to say hello to the acute paediatric team, who'll be running a cake sale stall outside the canteen from 12 midday-1.30pm.
All proceeds will go towards running future patient engagement days like the successful Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Fun and Awareness Day which took place in March this year.