Decision details

The Board will receive an update from the Clinical Commissioning Group on the work done so far to deliver on the Health & Wellbeing Strategy priority of improving services for people with sickle cell anaemia.

Dr Mohi (Chair of Barking and Dagenham Clinical Commissioning Group) introduced the report to the Board and highlighted the rising prevalence of sickle cell within the Barking and Dagenham population. Dr Mohi recognised the efforts of Dr Ian Grant in lobbying for, and developing this service. Dr Mohi reported that by the end of June the first clinic will have met in Barking Hospital. There are some staffing issues that need to be resolved by August.

The Board noted that local people with sickle cell are excited about the launch of the community-based service. Dr John (Clinical Director, Barking and Dagenham Clinical Commissioning Group) commented that at his practice alone there significant numbers of people with sickle cell disease that this service would benefit.

Helen Jenner (Corporate Director, Children’s Services) alerted the Board that there is a lack of awareness about sickle cell disease and its health implications in schools and teachers especially would benefit from being more aware of the disease and local services. The Board suggested that the communications teams from the Board’s constituent organisations work together to raise awareness about the new sickle cell service. Further to sign-posting from local GPs to the service the Board agreed that there needs to be publicity about the launch. Dr Mohi confirmed press releases were on standby for the launch. Dr John added that the service is also being pushed through GP patient groups.

The Board noted the report and the status of developing a community-based sickle cell service.