Improving Sickle Cell Care for Communities in South East London — What It Means for Greenwich

News - 20 May 2026

Work across South East London is transforming the way sickle cell services are delivered, with a strong focus on better community support, faster emergency care and more personalised treatment. For Greenwich residents — home to one of the largest sickle cell populations in the country — these improvements are especially significant.

🧭 Strengthening Community‑Based Support

A new enhanced community care pilot has been rolled out across all six South East London boroughs, including Greenwich. This service brings specialist support closer to home, offering access to community‑based nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, pharmacists and psychological support — all in one place. This holistic model helps people manage their condition day‑to‑day, reduces avoidable hospital visits and ensures families receive joined‑up care.

The pilot was shaped directly by people living with sickle cell disorder. Feedback from surveys and lived‑experience groups highlighted the need for more specialist nurses, wider multidisciplinary support and clearer information. These insights guided the design of the new service, ensuring it reflects real community needs.

For Greenwich residents, this means easier access to the right professionals, fewer barriers to support and more consistent care across the borough.

🚑 Faster, Safer Emergency Care

A key improvement is the development of sickle cell emergency bypass pathways, allowing patients to be directed straight to specialist teams rather than waiting in standard A&E queues. This is vital for managing acute pain crises quickly and safely.

Alongside this, the Universal Care Plan is being expanded so clinicians can instantly access a patient’s personalised care information in an emergency — improving safety, speed and confidence in treatment.

🗣️ Creative Engagement and Peer Support

The programme also includes theatre‑based workshops at Guy’s and St Thomas’ to help improve inpatient experiences, offering a safe space for people to share stories and shape better care. Young people aged 10–24 can access peer mentoring through the Sickle Cell Society, connecting them with others who understand the challenges of living with the condition.

🧭 Where Greenwich Residents Can Get Support

Find your local sickle cell team

Laurel Ward, 5th floor Riverside Building, Orange Zone, University Hospital Lewisham

For referrals and patient advice, call the number below. The unit is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Tel: 020 3192 6912

Out of hours: The hospital emergency teams can provide an advice service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which can be reach via switchboard at both hospital sites.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital switchboard: 020 8836 6000

University Hospital Lewisham switchboard: 020 8333 3000