The Brent Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre offers a wide range of
services to communities with, or 'at risk' of, sickle cell, thalassaemia,
G6PD, and other genetically inherited conditions of haemoglobin.
The Centre was the first to be established in the UK, in 1979, and was
originally based in Willesden Hospital. It is an important part of the
Haematology Department of Central Middlesex Hospital and continues to play
a major role in developing client sensitive, innovative, research-based
services. This has earned the Centre a reputation as a leader in this
specialist field.
- WHO WORKS HERE ? The
Centre is staffed by a team of health and social care professionals
which includes specialist nurses, haematologists, psychologists, and
social workers. These professionals all have a lot of experience,
knowledge and skill.
- SERVICES The
Centre is a walk-in Centre and is open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday. A
member of staff is on duty during opening hours and will answer
questions, give information, offer a blood test, and give genetic and
other forms of counselling as and when required.
- INFORMATION The
Centre has a wide range of educational and health promotion resources;
this includes leaflets, journal articles, reference books, videos,
slides, posters, and patient-management guides for health and allied
professionals.
- TESTING Testing
for sickle cell, thalassaemia, and other unusual haemoglobins is
available free of charge on a walk-in basis; a doctor's letter is not
required. A small sample of blood is all that is needed. All those
tested are sent their result within two weeks with a special result card
(no matter what the blood test result is) and, if necessary, they are
given an appointment to come for counselling. Their GP will also be sent
a copy of the result to keep in the patient's medical records.
- TESTING & COUNSELLING
Genetic Counselling is offered to all those tested and found to have
any unusual haemoglobin, and to pregnant women and their partners who
attend the local hospital. All babies living in the former North Thames
Health Region are routinely tested for these conditions so that care can
be given early, to prevent complications.
- PATIENT SUPPORT
Children and adults with sickle cell, thalassaemia, or any other disease
state are seen by the Centre's team in the out-patient clinic, on the
wards whilst they are in hospital, at the Centre, or visited at home, if
required. There is a support group run by a group of parents. They meet
monthly and can be contacted through the Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia
Centre.
- EDUCATION To help
raise population awareness, staff at the Centre organise awareness
campaigns, give talks, lectures and help with group discussion for lay
groups as well as health and other professionals. These take place in
schools, colleges, health clinics, universities, religious centres,
hospitals, homes, and social clubs.
- WHERE TO FIND US
BRENT SICKLE CELL & THALASSAEMIA CENTRE
122 HIGH STREET
HARLESDEN
LONDON NW10 4SP
Tel: O20 8961 9005
Fax: 020 8453 0681
E-mail: brent@sickle-thalassaemia.org
