New apheresis machine at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital

A new specialist blood transfusion service at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital is transforming care for people living with sickle cell disorder (SCD) across the East of England. Featured recently on BBC's Look East evening news, the initiative uses mobile apheresis machines to replace a patient's sickled red blood cells with healthy donor cells. The service, run in collaboration with NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), brings red cell exchange therapy to patients and removes the need for many to travel long distances to specialist centres in London.

Dr Claire Anderson, consultant haematologist at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, explained the impact of the service: "Through our collaboration with NHS Blood and Transplant, this is a travelling service so the therapy comes to the patient rather than the other way round. This helps to reduce health inequalities". Dr Anderson also confirmed plans to expand the therapy to other parts of the East of England region. 

For patient Priscilla Sackey, the benefit is immediate; "It will be a huge benefit because I don't have to commute to London, which could take at least two and a half hours". 

By reducing travel barriers and increasing treatment accessibility, the mobile service addresses longstanding gaps in care for people with sickle cell disorder. Appearing on BBC News has also helped raise wider public awareness of sickle cell disorder, its treatments, and the need for regular blood donations.