Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia

Who we are

We are the East London Foundation Trust (Community Health Newham) Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre. We are a specialist nursing service serving the community in Newham.

What we do?

The Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre offers a specialist nursing service to children and adults who have been diagnosed with a major Haemoglobinopathy condition. The team is also part of the NHS England screening program: testing pregnant women and new-born babies to identify any unusual haemoglobin variants that may be present. We also screen anyone who may be interested in finding out their genotype. We work closely with hospitals, GPs and other Allied Health Professionals across London to offer the best quality care, including hosting Doppler clinics for affected children and an evening paediatric clinic to see children after school.

Who do we see?

All ages of anyone suspected or affected with Sickle Cell or Thalassaemia.

What to expect at your appointment?

Paediatric Evening Clinic ( Children’s clinic)

When: First and last Monday of each month, 16:00 – 19:00
Where: Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre
Who: Children affected with Sickle Cell disease or Thalassaemia Syndromes. Performed by Consultant Paediatrician from Newham Hospital.
What: Check ups and annual reviews for children affected with Sickle Cell or Thalassaemia

Paediatric Nurse Led Clinic

When: Tuesday (All day), Wednesday (All day), Thursday (A.M)
Where: Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre or Home Visits
Who: Children affected with Sickle Cell disease or Thalassaemia Syndromes. Performed by Specialist Nurses.
What: Check ups and annual reviews for children affected with Sickle Cell or Thalassaemia

Adult Nurse Led Clinic

When: Tuesday (All day), Wednesday (P.M), Thursday (All day)
Where: Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre or Home Visits
Who: Adults affected with Sickle Cell disease or Thalassaemia Syndromes. Performed by Specialist Nurses.
What: Check ups and annual reviews for adults affected with Sickle Cell or Thalassaemia

Antenatal clinic

When: Tuesday (All day), Wednesday (A.M), Thursday (P.M), Friday (Once per month, P.M)
Where: Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre
Who: Any pregnant woman, found to have an unusual haemoglobin during Maternity Screening, and her partner.
What: Counselling on the conditions and the offer of testing to the partner’s of women found to have an unusual haemoglobin type.

At Risk Antenatal clinic

When: Tuesday (All day), Wednesday (A.M), Thursday (P.M), Friday (Once per month, P.M)
Where: Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre
Who: Any pregnant couple with both parents found to have an unusual haemoglobin during Screening.
What: Counselling on the conditions and the offer of Pre-Natal Diagnosis to the mother.

Transcranial Doppler Clinic

When: One Saturday per month (all day)
Where: Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre
Who: 2- 16 years Any affected child with HbSS (Sickle Cell Anaemia) or HbS/Beta Thalassaemia (Sickle-Beta Thalassaemia).
What: Routine scanning of the brain to assess the risk of stroke in children affected by the above conditions.

Neonatal clinic

When: Tuesday (All day), Thursday (P.M)
Where: Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre
Who: Any baby found to be a carrier of any unusual haemoglobin type , and their parents.
What: Counselling on the conditions for both parents and the offer of testing to the father (if not previously tested)

General clinic

When: Friday (A.M)
Where: Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre
Who: Any person interested in finding out their genotype, or the genotype of their family
What: Counselling on the conditions and the offer of testing to those who want it.