A History of Sickle Cell Disease and Race in the NHS

Join historians, expert nurses and patients to find out more about the history of sickle cell disease and treatment in the UK.

The British welfare state was founded on and supported by migrant, Black and Asian labour. However, these workers’ own healthcare and welfare entitlements were often neglected. Nowhere is this more visible than in the history of sickle cell anaemia, a genetic condition that is more common in people of African, South Asian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean descent.

To follow Sickle Cell Awareness Day on 19 June, this event explores the history of sickle cell and race in the UK, and the work of healthcare professionals to push for responses to screening, improved health care and better pain management during sickle cell disease crisis. Our speakers include historian Grace Redhead, specialist nurse consultant Lola Oni (former director of the Brent Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre) and nurse and sickle cell patient Gildé Nsianguana.

This event is open to all. Please book a ticket to attend and the Zoom link will be emailed to you in advance of the event.

Image: Wellcome Collection