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Sickle Cell, Thalassaemia and Red Cell Disorder Service

Welcome to the Sickle Cell, Thalassaemia and Red Cell Disorder Service.

Patient receiving blood treatment

We are a specialist centre for the diagnosis and management of adults with inherited haemoglobin disorders including sickle cell disease, thalassaemia.

Who we see

We see patients with different types of sickle cell disease, (including HbSS, HbSC and HbS thalassaemia), thalassaemia, and other types of red cell blood problems such as hereditary spherocytosis and G6PD deficiency.

We do not usually see patients with sickle cell or thalassaemia traits, and people who are affected by this can contact the community sickle cell and thalassaemia team for support and advice.

What we do

The team includes consultant haematologists, haematology registrars, medical trainees, clinical nurse specialists (CNS), a clinical psychologist and a haemoglobinopathy counsellor.

The aim of the service is to enable our patients to live as well as possible with their condition, by ensuring optimal treatment of their medical, physical and psychosocial needs.

Our services include:

  • Assessments, reviews and screening
  • Individualised acute care management plans
  • Emergency treatment of sickle cell painful crisis
  • Therapeutic apheresis services (TAS) for exchange transfusions
  • Phlebotomy services
  • Supportive care unit
  • Dedicated specialist adult nurses
  • Psychological support Joint obstetric-red cell clinic; to support people during pregnancy
  • Support with community/social needs
  • Health education (including supporting letters) to third parties on request e.g. employers, universities, DWP
  • Support group for sickle cell patients/carers (virtual meetings)

How to find us

The sickle cell, thalassaemia and red cell disorder service for adults is based in the Bexley Wing at St James’s University Hospital.

Most inpatient care is provided on Wards J88 and J89. Patients may also be seen on Ward J96 and the young adult unit (Ward J94) on Level 5.

Outpatient care is provided on Level 3 (Ward J87). The outpatient area also contains our therapeutic apheresis service (for exchange blood transfusions), phlebotomy services and a supportive day care unit for routine blood transfusion.

For the main haematology outpatients, come up in the “blue” lift to level 3, turn left and then right. Within this area, there is also a phlebotomy service, the supportive care unit and the therapeutic apheresis service.

To find the main wards (J88/J89) walk down the long corridor from outpatients or come up to level 3 in the “green” lift.

Wards J95, J96 and the teenage and young adult unit (J94) are located on level 5.

Clinics


The red cell clinic runs weekly and provides specialist annual review for patients within the region. This clinic is consultant led, but also often includes other members of the multidisciplinary team such as our CNS team.

Red cell clinic

Oncology outpatients. level 1, Bexley Wing, St James’s Hospital, Tuesday and Friday Mornings 9.00am to 01.00pm, Dr Q Hill.

Obstetric-haemoglobinopathy clinic

Antenatal outpatients, A floor, Clarendon Wing, Leeds General Infirmary
Dr Q Hill and Dr E Ciantar

Other services

Other services provided include out of hours blood transfusion and a monthly joint obstetric-haemoglobinopathy clinic. The Obstetric-haemoglobinopathy clinic is based at Leeds General Infirmary, Antenatal outpatients, A floor, Clarendon wing, Leeds General Infirmary.

For urgent medical attention


If you are acutely unwell with severe pain, chest pain or other symptoms and need urgent medical attention attend the A&E department at St James University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF where specialist haematology services are based. There is also an A&E department at Leeds General Infirmary, if you require admission you will be transferred to St James University Hospital.

If you are not sure if you should come to clinic or go to A&E you can call the sickle cell CNS team to discuss the best option for you. Susie McKeown-Wade Clinical Nurse Specialist – Red Cell 0113 2068236.

If you are unable to contact the clinical nurse specialist, you can contact the oncology bleep holder 24 hours a day. Please call SJUH switchboard on 0113 2433144 and ask for the oncology bleepholder. They can arrange admission to our assessment area on ward J95/J96 and give advice.

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