Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia

The Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia centre is a team of experienced specialist nurses and nurse counsellors who are dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals affected with sickle cell anaemia or thalassaemia major and any other unusual haemoglobin.

The team includes a social worker and psychologist who are based in the centre, a haematologist and a paediatrician based at the hospital.

We support affected individuals and their families from pre-birth to adulthood. We carry out home visits or individuals are seen in the centre. We make referrals to the haematologist who will give continued medical treatment and we provide Transcranial Doppler's for children from the age of two years old. We provide information about support groups and voluntary organisations.

We have a social work service which offers advice on housing, benefits and work related issues and also a psychologist who sees clients individually or together with relatives. The service provides psychological support groups for adults, parents, and children in the centre.

The Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Unit provides:
• Genetic screening and counselling for expectant carrier couples
• Genetic counselling for people who have been found to be carriers
• Screening and counselling for the families of carriers
• Genetic counselling for parents and individuals with major disorders
• Awareness raising among "at risk" populations and the wider community
• Support for individuals and families living with major disorders
• Education and awareness for health and other public service professionals

Who is it for?
• Children and adults affected by sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia
• Screening for Antenatal and Neonatal
• Public willing to be tested.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09.30 to 4.30 pm