Sickle cell campaign

Thursday, 30 June 2022

A woman looking forward, text reads "Can you tell it's sickle cell? Knowing the signs can save lives."
A woman looking forward, text reads "Can you tell it's sickle cell? Knowing the signs can save lives."

A new campaign aims to increase awareness of the key signs and symptoms of a Sickle Cell crisis, particularly among urgent emergency care staff and those living with the condition and their carers.

If someone has these symptoms, they should seek urgent medical attention:

  • Pain

  • Signs of infection including fever

  • One-sided paralysis or weakness in the face, arms or legs

  • Confusion

  • Difficulty walking or talking

  • Sudden visual changes

  • Unexplained numbness

  • Severe headache

  • Breathlessness, chest pain or low oxygen levels

Acting quickly can save lives.

A new training module for NHS staff includes signs of a crisis, how to treat it and information on healthcare inequalities related to the condition: https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/health-inequalities/