Lewisham Hospital will be one of five places across the UK with a Acute Sickle Cell Unit (ASCU) running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, writes Niall Holden…
On 22 January, Lewisham University Hospital announced that its Acute Sickle Cell Unit (ASCU) will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The unit is one of five pilot sites across the country working to improve access to treatment for patients experiencing sickle cell crisis.
Patients will be able to receive treatment in a dedicated unit instead of Emergency Departments, where there can often be lengthy waiting times.
In a statement, haematologist Dr Tullie Yeghen, who specialises in blood diseases, described the moves as ‘a crucial milestone towards excellence’.
Yeghen said that patient access to round-the-clock treatment will help alleviate the pain and potentially life-threatening complications of sickle cell disease.
Patients at Lewisham’s ASCU, on average, receive treatment within eight minutes of arriving at the hospital, well below the national 30-minute target.
Michael Barns, lead advanced clinical practitioner and consultant paramedic, said: “Our trust is proud to serve the UK’s fifth largest sickle cell population.
“Switching to 24-hour operation reinforces our commitment to provide exceptional care whenever a crisis happens and aligns with our goal to address healthcare inequalities for people living with sickle cell.”
Relatedarticles
Sickle cell is a name for a group of inherited health conditions that affect the red blood cells. The disease is particularly common in people with an African or Caribbean family background. It is a serious lifelong health condition, although treatment can help manage symptoms, and it can be fatal if left untreated for a long period of time.
