Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder where an individual’s red blood cells become crescent-shaped instead of the normal disc shape. This can block blood flow which can lead to pain, strokes, organ damage, and other complications. It is most common amongst people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or Indian descent.
While there are treatments available to manage the symptoms of sickle cell disease, there is no cure, and the disease can affect individuals in day-to-day life. Despite 17,000 people in the UK having the disease, a lack of education and funding compared to other genetic disorders means that there are significant disparities in the diagnosis and care of sickle cell disease.
Elsy Gomez Campos, Immediate Past President of the PDA BAME Network, said “The underdiagnosis, underfunding, and disparities in sickle cell disease care in the UK are unacceptable. Pharmacists, pharmacy students, and foundation pharmacists must take action to address these inequities. By advocating for better education, increased funding, and improved access to care, we can work towards providing equitable, patient-centred care for all individuals affected by sickle cell disease in the UK.”
The PDA BAME Network calls on pharmacy employers to allow flexible working hours and provide a supportive working environment for their employees. Pharmacists who can no longer work because of their illness may be entitled to sick pay and should speak to their employers or contact the PDA Member Support Centre for advice.
READ THE FACTSHEET HERE
Get involved
- If you’d like to get involved in the PDA BAME Network’s campaign around Sickle Cell Disease, please email: organising@pda-union.org
- Join the PDA BAME Network
- Follow the PDA BAME Network on social media using #PDAbame
- Share the factsheet with colleagues in your workplace or employer.
- If you would like to get involved with the network and its activities, email bame@the-pda.org
Learn more
- Sickle Cell Disease in the UK: A Call to Action for Pharmacists
- Observing Sickle Cell Awareness Month 2024
- Sickle Cell Society
- NHS – Sickle cell disease
- NICE guidance
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