19 June 19 2025

This World Sickle Cell Day, the South London Office of Specialised Services (SLOSS) joins the Sickle Cell Society and all of our SL partners in urging everyone to #TalkItLoud about sickle cell disease (SCD). Raising awareness and creating impact is vital for ensuring equitable, compassionate care for the thousands of individuals living with this inherited condition across South London and beyond.

Sickle cell disease causes chronic pain and other severe health complications, impacting millions globally. By talking openly about SCD, we can challenge stigma, foster understanding, and advocate for continuous improvements in specialised care.

As part of the London Sickle Cell Improvement Programme, SLOSS and our partners are working hard to improve care and experience for those living with sickle cell, as result of the “No One’s Listening” report.

South London’s progress in sickle cell care

In the run up to World Sickle Cell Day, we’re proud to highlight the significant strides being made across South West London ICS and South East London ICS to transform sickle cell services. Our focus remains on delivering patient centred, accessible, and holistic care.

Innovation in urgent care: St George’s Hospital sickle cell ED bypass unit

  • Faster, specialist care: The pioneering sickle cell ED bypass unit at St George’s Hospital in South West London is a game changer for patients experiencing sickle cell crises. By offering rapid access to specialist care, it significantly reduces emergency department wait times.
  • Improved outcomes: Patients are receiving faster treatment and better pain management, leading to quicker recovery and discharge.
  • Expanding access: Following successful weekend operations (08:00–18:00), the ambitious plan is to transition to a 24/7 service model, further enhancing urgent care for our sickle cell community.

Enhanced community services: Bringing care closer to home

Both South East London and South West London are rolling out enhanced community services designed to address historic health inequalities and provide comprehensive care outside of traditional hospital settings.

South East London

  • Holistic, integrated support: This innovative service brings multidisciplinary expertise directly into community hubs. This includes specialist nursing, dietetics, physiotherapy, psychology, and crucial welfare advice.
  • Patient centred approach: By partnering with organisations like the Sickle Cell Society for peer support, the service ensures comprehensive, culturally competent care. As one parent shared, “The combination of a dietitian and a pharmacist in one session proved to be a game changer for us.”
  • Learn more on the SEL ICS website

South West London

  • Specialist community support: Local community services are expanding to offer specialist care and vital support, including new pathways for pain management and holistic wellbeing.
  • Complementary therapies: Patients can now access complementary therapies like Reiki and remedial massage, integrated with specialist pain management and psychology support, to empower them in managing symptoms and fostering resilience.

Talk to your care team: We encourage people to #TalkItLoud with their care teams about accessing these valuable new pathways to comprehensive care in their community.

Join the Conversation: #TalkItLoud!

Your voice matters! This World Sickle Cell Day, we encourage everyone to:

  • Share your story: If you or someone you know is affected by SCD, consider sharing your experience to help others.
  • Educate yourself and others: Learn more about sickle cell disease and its impact.
  • Support advocacy: Follow and support organisations like the Sickle Cell Society in their vital work.

Follow our World Sickle Cell Day journey!

Throughout the next two weeks, we’ll be highlighting these initiatives and more on our social media channels. Follow us and join the conversation as we #TalkItLoud for better sickle cell care in South London.

Further information and resources

  • Sickle Cell Society: Discover more about the #TalkItLoud campaign and World Sickle Cell Day initiatives
  • St George’s Hospital Red Cell Celebration Day: 19 June, 15:00 – 18:00 at the Hyde Park Room, St George’s Hospital, SW17 0QT
  • Central London Community Healthcare’s Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Awareness Day: 19 June, 10:30 – 12:30 pm, Raynes Park Library, SW20 8BA
  • Croydon’s comprehensive awareness drive: Events held at Croydon University Hospital (530 LondonRoad,CR7 7YE) unless otherwise noted
    • 18 June -Information and awareness stand for public and staff
      19 June -Information and awareness stand for public and staff plus support group
      24 June – South East London and South East Haemoglobinopathy Coordinating Centre (SELSE HCC) network awareness day training (Post graduate Medical Centre, CUH)
      28 June – Youth transition focus group (Croydon Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Support Group, 316 WhitehorseRd,CR0 2LE)
  • Penge PCN’s Shine the light on sickle cell: 18 June, 10:00 – 14:00, at Anerley Town Hall, SE20 8BD