What are we trying to do?
We are investigating the introduction of a new sickle cell care pathway for Greater Manchester. 

 

This care pathway includes: 
•    a phone line directing people with sickle cell to NHS services so they receive the right care quickly
•    a new emergency unit at Manchester Royal Infirmary for people with sickle cell
•    community based services. 

 

The emergency unit is designed to deliver care for people with sickle cell quickly, via well-timed contact with specialist health professionals. 

 

The community services include follow-up clinic appointments and home visits. People with sickle cell can access support from health and social care professionals and the voluntary sector. 

 

 

Why is this important?
Sickle cell (also sometimes known as sickle cell disorder or sickle cell disease) is an inherited (genetic) blood condition. Sickle cell can affect anyone, although it mostly affects people with African or Caribbean backgrounds. It causes red blood cells to change shape, which makes it hard for the cells to move through blood vessels. The main symptoms of sickle cell are anaemia and episodes of severe pain. These episodes of pain are known as sickle cell crisis. Crises can lead to serious health problems or even death. 

 

In response to the avoidable deaths and failures of care for people with sickle cell, NHS England is funding a programme to respond to areas of identified need and clinical risk for people affected by the condition.

 

 

How are we doing it?    
To see if the new pathway is working well, we are:

1.    Sending out questionnaires to service users who have attended the new emergency unit to hear about their experiences.
2.    Holding interviews with service users and staff to learn more about the introduction of the emergency units and how accessible they are. 
3.    Looking at health data to see how well the units are performing and how care has changed over time for people with sickle cell.

 

Who are we working with?

•    NHS England
•    Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust 
•    Manchester Local Care Organisation
•    A group of people with personal experience of sickle cell, who help guide the project. An independent chair leads the advisory group.

 

 

Funding information
The national evaluation of emergency units in seven hospitals in England is funded by NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) through the REVAL team based at The University of Manchester; more information about the national evaluation can be found on the REVAL website.

 

The evaluation into the new sickle cell care pathway for Greater Manchester, is supported by funding from the NIHR ARC-GM.

 

 

More information
 

 

 

Programme Manager
Gill Rizzello
gill.rizzello@manchester.ac.uk