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London Ambulance Service (LAS) and south London hospitals have introduced a new system allowing sickle cell patients in crisis to bypass A&E and go straight to specialist care.
Sickle cell disease is a genetic health condition that is particularly common in people with an African or Caribbean family background and which affects the red blood cells. It is a serious and lifelong condition, although treatment can help manage many of the symptoms.
Symptoms include episodes of severe pain which can last several days – known as a sickle cell crisis – and people with the disease are at increased risk of other severe illnesses, such as a stroke and serious infections.
The London Ambulance Service’s action plan to improve care for patients with sickle cell disease, published in April, recommended that ambulance clinicians work with NHS hospitals across the capital to develop ways to convey patients with the disease to dedicated sickle cell units rather than an emergency department.
First set up at Hammersmith Hospital, LAS has now expanded the new care pathway to St George’s and Lewisham hospitals, which have expertise treating the condition beyond that found in a typical emergency department.
“We’ve listened to the needs of sickle cell patients and their families and fully recognise that they want ambulance crews and hospital clinicians advocating for them when they are going through some of most painful experiences of their lives.
“We have therefore taken the first steps in our action plan with our NHS partners to provide personalised care for those suffering a sickle cell crisis.
“Our dedicated teams and hospital partners have worked hard to implement these changes as quickly as possible so we can provide outstanding care to this group of patients with specific medical needs.”
Dr Fenella Wrigley, Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Chief Executive at London Ambulance Service.
The new pathways in south London, in partnership with St George’s Hospital and Lewisham Hospital, enables patients to receive more timely and expert care from specialist clinicians at these dedicated units which means better pain management, fewer hospital admissions and shorter duration of treatment.
“A sickle cell crisis causes severe pain, which can be very distressing for patients and their loved ones. This new service will ensure they are treated by our specialist teams as soon as they arrive at hospital, improving their overall care and experience.
“Our dedicated centre treats 700 children and adults with sickle cell disease every year, and we’re proud to continue to build on the care we provide by offering this new service for those who need us in an emergency.”
Kate Slemeck, Managing Director for St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
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