INTRODUCTION

News

The Project

Sickle Cell

Screening

Services Available

Self-help

Travel Guide

Contact

The Team

Annual Report

Links

Children's Guide

Acknowledgements

What are Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia disorders?

They are both inherited blood disorders affecting haemoglobin, the oxygen carrying substance in the red blood cells. The illnesses are inherited from both parents who are usually healthy carriers of a trait (e.g. sickle cell or thalassaemia trait).

Sickle cell disorders mainly affect people whose ancestry is African/Caribbean, Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern.

Thalassaemia affects people from Asia, the Mediterranean and the Middle-East.

Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia Support Project aims to:

• Increase awareness by developing a comprehensive education and training programme for community groups, carers and health professionals.

• Promote voluntary screening and offer genetic counselling.

• Provide support, advice and co-ordination of care to individuals and families where there is a major haemoglobin disorder.

• Act as a specialist resource for other professionals and communities at risk.

• Work closely with the Local/Health Authority departments and the voluntary sector to develop a co-ordinated service.