The NCL Red Cell Community team has partnered with Whittington Hospital (WH), University College London Hospital (UCLH), and North Middlesex University Hospital (NMUH) to provide services to the five NCL boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington.

This service aims to address the physical, emotional, and social needs of patients and their families. 

The team serves as a source of support, clinical care, advice, and advocacy for individuals with red cell disorders and their families. The community service places a strong focus on the individual's needs at any given time and recognises that these needs can be unpredictable and subject to change. The service addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of patients and families affected by red cell disorders.

NCL ICB has created posters about these services for practices to print and display in waiting areas or to give to red cell patients (see Downloads). Information and advice for red cell patients can be found on the Patient Hub of the Red Cell Network (see Resources). 

The Red Cell Community Service can be accessed by patients through phone or email. Specialist nursing care will support patients with sickle cell, thalassaemia and rare inherited anaemias in their own homes with close links to primary, specialist, social and community care to join-up services and create a seamless experience for patients.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusions

• adult patients (over 18) living with sickle cell, thalassemia and other rare inherited anaemias who are NCL residents under NCL Specialist Haemoglobinopathies Teams
• patients aged 16-18 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 in this age group

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