Sickle cell disorder

We want you to feel informed, supported and confident throughout your care. If you have questions or concerns, please speak to you doctor or clinical nurse specialist (CNS) during your hospital appointments.

Write down your questions beforehand, and feel free to bring a friend or family member for support. Between appointments, contact your CNS by phone if you need advice (the contact details are below). 

We offer the latest SCD treatments and technology, creating a care plan tailored to your needs. Our experienced team delivers care in a safe, award-winning environment. You’ll get care through specialised services led by expert doctors and nurses.

The treatments we offer focus on reducing the risk of SCD complications. They include: 

• Blood transfusions  
• Automated red cell exchange  
• Treating iron overload  
  • Deferasirox   
  • Desferrioxamine  
• Hydroxyurea  
• Incentive spirometry  
• Treating priapism  
• Stem cell transplant — a potential cure for children with a suitable donor 
• Gene therapy — a new approach currently being tested in clinical trials.

Please ask your hospital doctor or CNS if you want to find out more about these treatments.

Your CNS is here to support you throughout your care. We’ve also got helpful information on:  

• Medicines, vaccines and travel  
• Sexual health, contraception and preparing for pregnancy   
• SCD and pregnancy

We offer lifelong care, including: 

• Regular monitoring for complications, such as iron overload  
• Ongoing support from your healthcare team 
• Psychological and emotional support 
• Transcranial dopplers (to monitor your risk of stroke) 

We’re actively involved in research to improve care for people affected by SCD. Learn more about the current trials on the Red Cell Network research webpage.

• Guide to UCLH services for people with red cell and iron disorders  
• Community sickle cell services  
• Red cell network   
• Sickle Cell Society | 020 8961 7795