About

Our red blood cell disorder service is led by a specialist multidisciplinary team which cares for patients with haemoglobinopathies (sickle cell and thalassaemia), less common red cell disorders and other non-malignant blood disorders. We are one of the leading specialist centres for non-malignant haematology with nationally renowned expertise in the investigation and management of red cell disorders.

We provide a wide range of services for our patients, including day care treatment, inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, clinical nurse specialist support, and pregnancy care (provided jointly with Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital). There is access to a dedicated clinical psychologist and social worker. We provide care for approximately 350 adult patients with sickle cell disorders and work closely with other teams including paediatric haematology and our partners in the community. We offer a day care pain management service for sickle cell patients at Hammersmith Hospital and a telephone support line to help our patients manage their conditions independently where possible.

Conditions we treat

  • Sickle cell disease
  • Thalassaemia anaemia
  • Purpura neutropenia
  • Haemochromatosis
  • Iron transport defects
  • Other non-malignant blood disorders

Treatments we offer

  • Blood transfusion
  • Automated exchange transfusion
  • Plasma exchange
  • Day care pain management (for sickle cell disease)
  • Iron chelation
  • Venesection intravenous

Additional information

Clinical trials and research

We have an active research programme in sickle cell disease and other non-malignant blood disorders and invite patients to participate in national and international disease registries. A member of our team may inform you about any clinical trials or other research studies relevant to your condition which you can find out more about on a completely voluntary basis. Current clinical trials involve treatments for sickle cell disease, iron overload and pyruvate kinase deficiency.

Education

If you are interested in an elective placement with our service, please contact IMPERIAL.ELECTIVES@NHS.NET.

Further online resources