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A new and improved community service to help adults with sickle cell disorder has been launched in Bexley and Greenwich boroughs.

The new service is part of our ‘great care’ commitment to equip our patients with the tools, skills and services they need to manage their conditions in their own communities.

As part of a wider south-east London offer, the service aims to provide better support for those living with the condition, which mainly affects people with an African or Caribbean family background.

It brings together health and care specialists such as dietitians, physiotherapists, pharmacists, psychologists, nurses, and haematology teams to offer all-round care. To access, patients need to be 18 or over, have a confirmed diagnosis of Sickle Cell disorder and be registered with a GP in either borough. Referrals can be made by GPs and other health care professionals. Patients can also self-refer and remote, telephone and home visits are available.

A key member of the team is Specialist Sickle Cell Nurse, Nkolika Okoro. She said:

Sickle cell is the most common inherited blood disorder and I’m pleased to be part of the team, supporting patients in the community and reducing the need for hospitalisation.

Ishbel Collison, Long-term Conditions Service Manager for Oxleas, added:

We are delighted to be part of the new enhanced south east London sickle cell community service. We recognise that there is more that could be offered to support our local Bexley and Greenwich residents with sickle cell and we are committed to ensuring this team will make a real difference by providing appropriate, tailored and holistic care closer to home!

The service has been developed with our partners including Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Bromley Healthcare and Evelina London Children’s Hospital.

The Sickle Cell service can be contacted by email oxl-tr.adultsicklecell@nhs.net or telephone 020 8294 3150.