The NCL Red Cell Community team works with Whittington Health, University College London Hospital, and North Middlesex University Hospital to support patients and families affected by red cell disorders across five NCL boroughs. The service focuses on addressing physical, emotional, and social needs, adapting to individuals' changing and sometimes unpredictable circumstances.

Specialist nursing care supports patients with sickle cell, thalassaemia, and rare inherited anaemias directly in their homes, addressing physical, emotional, and social needs.

The UCLH Hospital@Home Sickle Cell Step-Up Pathway provides hospital-level care at home for UCLH-registered patients during acute sickle cell pain episodes, delivering close monitoring and specialist support.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusions

• Over-18s living with sickle cell, thalassemia and other rare inherited anaemias who are NCL residents under NCL Specialist Haemoglobinopathies Teams
• For 16 to 18-year-olds who have transitioned to or are in the process of transition to an adult team, referrals need to be discussed with the relevant acute team (adult/paediatric) on a case-by-case basis to determine appropriateness

Exclusions

• Patients with sickle cell trait or thalassemia trait
• Acutely unwell patients needing admission or strong analgesia
• Patients requiring injectable opiates for either short or long-term use

How to Refer