NHS nurses require more training to improve their understanding of sickle cell disease, experts have warned.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has said there is a “very poor level of awareness” regarding the disease, which can be fatal if the correct treatment is not given.
Sickle cell disease is the broad term for genetic conditions that affect the development of red blood cells, such as sickle cell anaemia.
Around 15,000 people in the UK suffer from the condition. They are at risk of developing sickle cell crises, where the abnormally shaped cells get stuck in blood vessels.
Sickle cell crisis
A sickle cell crisis is severely painful. It can also damage the organs and tissues, meaning emergency treatment is needed if fatal complications are to be avoided.
Carey Johnson, a specialist nurse in adult sickle cell disease, said: “There are some really good specialist services in pockets around the country, but too many people have to rely on general hospitals and A&E, where there is a very poor level of awareness.”
She added that healthcare staff should be provided with “better training about the condition.”
This supports the findings of a survey carried out in December 2015, in which patients with sickle cell disease were asked if they thought NHS staff had a competent knowledge of the illness.
All the recipients had received urgent or emergency care within the past six months, and only 45% thought nurses had a good understanding of sickle cell disease.
Janet Davies, chief executive and general secretary of the RCN, said: “Nurses are clearly saying that there is not enough training for healthcare staff working in general settings on sickle cell disease.”
“People who are already suffering a great deal of pain need the very best, and most informed care.”
Failure to treat sickle cell crisis
If you or your loved one has suffered because medical practitioners failed to treat a sickle cell crisis, there could be a case of medical negligence. Please get in touch with us to find out more.
Share Article With:
|
|
|
|
|
|
