By ADF Newsdesk –
Living with sickle cell disease can be excruciating, with risks of organ failure and strokes. Yet, accessing timely treatment remains a challenge. To address this, a specialised sickle cell unit and 24/7 helpline, the first of its kind in the country, have been launched at Manchester Royal Infirmary. This crucial service aims to assist individuals from Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Cumbria, particularly those of black African and Caribbean heritage who are most affected.
Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited conditions affecting red blood cells, with sickle cell anaemia being the most severe form. Sickle cell disease disproportionately impacts people from West African and Afro-Caribbean communities, and patients also often live in the most socio-economically deprived areas and are at higher risk of both re-admissions and in-hospital mortality.
People with this disease produce misshapen red blood cells that have a shorter lifespan and can obstruct blood vessels, leading to health complications. Although it is a lifelong condition, treatment can help alleviate many symptoms. Symptoms include painful sickle cell crises, heightened susceptibility to infections, anaemia, fatigue, and breathing difficulties. Additional issues such as delayed growth, strokes, and lung complications may also occur.
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Sickle cell patients often find themselves in and out of hospitals, enduring severe pain and requiring regular ‘top-up’ blood transfusions.
The new unit offers specialised care during sickle cell crises, ensuring prompt treatment by experienced medical professionals. This initiative, championed by medical experts, provides a dedicated space for quick and practical support, essential in managing the intense pain and potential fatality associated with sickle cell crises. Trained nurses can offer guidance and direct patients to the appropriate clinical services, ensuring prompt care during emergencies.
Several sickle cell sufferers in the Manchester area have expressed relief at having access to this service, emphasising the importance of a 24/7 helpline for immediate assistance.
Speaking to Manchester Evening News, Anthony Mason, Chief Executive of Sickle Cell Care Manchester, highlighted the significance of rapid assessment for those with sickle cell disease, underlining the urgent need for timely treatment and follow-up care. The unit collaborates with NHS Blood and Transplant to provide emergency red cell exchange transfusions, a critical intervention for managing sickle cell crises.
There is, however, a necessity for blood donations from individuals of similar ethnic backgrounds to ensure optimal matches for patients undergoing emergency procedures. Therefore, more Black African and Caribbean people need to step forward and donate. Your contribution can make a life-saving difference for those battling sickle cell disease.