Supporting people living with sickle cell disease in Hounslow
Sickle cell anemia is a severe inherited blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin, leading to sickle shaped red blood cells that can cause various health complications.
Sickle cell can affect people of all backgrounds but is more common in African and Caribbean communities. People living with sickle cell may experience painful crises, fatigue, and an increased risk of serious health complications. Despite this, the condition is often not well understood.
This week as part of Blood Cancer Awareness month we want to share the local comprehensive care and support and services that are available to Hounslow residents living with major haemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell disease and thalassaemia.
Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust Community Haemoglobinopathy team in West London provide a nurse-led service dedicated to providing local comprehensive care and support for individuals with major haemoglobinopathies (sickle cell and thalassaemia).
Services available to local residents include counselling to pregnant women and biological fathers who are carriers of sickle cell, thalassaemia and other unusual haemoglobin types. Parents are provided with information to help them understand what their haemoglobin type means, and support is provided to those whose baby may be born with a haemoglobin disorder such as sickle cell disease or beta thalassaemia major.
Have you ever thought about becoming a stem cell donor?
A Hounslow couple did just that. They both beat odds of 1 in 4 million to donate stem stells.
If you would like to donate blood or find out your blood type, you can go online to check your eligibility, register and book an appointment at blood.co.uk
