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.
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 need urgent treatment for an acute red cell problem such as a painful crisis or a blood transfusion reaction, or need advice for other urgent red cell issues please call SJUH switchboard on 0113 2433144 and ask for the oncology bleep holder. They can arrange admission to our assessment area on ward J95/J96 and give advice.
If you are acutely unwell with severe pain chest pain, worsening breathlessness, a high fever or other symptoms and need urgent medical attention attend your nearest emergency department.
You can contact the CNS team for any non-urgent health matters relating your red cell condition on 0113 2068236 during office hours. Out of hours please leave a voicemail with your contact details and the team will return your call as soon as they can. For urgent health needs please see the above contact for our J95 assessment area.