Sickle Cell Is Not a Trial: Campaign Launched to Save Emergency Unit at Royal London Hospital

A new campaign has been launched to stop the closure of the emergency sickle cell unit at the Royal London Hospital, following confirmation that the service will shut down at the end of January after a six-month trial.

Campaigners, patients, and healthcare advocates are warning that the closure will remove vital, specialist care for people experiencing a sickle cell crisis, placing lives at risk and deepening existing health inequalities.

Why the Emergency Sickle Cell Unit Matters

Sickle cell disease is a lifelong genetic blood condition that can cause sudden and severe pain crises, requiring urgent medical treatment. These crises are recognised medical emergencies and, without timely specialist care, can lead to serious complications, long-term damage, or even death.

The emergency sickle cell unit at the Royal London Hospital was introduced to address long-standing issues faced by patients in general A&E departments, including delays in pain relief, lack of condition-specific knowledge, and patients not being believed about the severity of their pain.

For many patients, the unit has provided fast access to clinicians who understand sickle cell and can deliver appropriate care during a crisis.

A Six-Month Trial That Patients Depend On

Despite its importance, the unit is now set to close after only six months of operation.

Campaigners argue that this timeframe is far too short to properly assess the impact of a specialist emergency service, particularly one serving a community that has historically experienced underinvestment and poorer health outcomes.

The campaign slogan, “Sickle cell is not a trial,” reflects growing concern that essential care is being treated as temporary, rather than as a long-term commitment to patient safety and equality.

The Impact of Closure on Patients

If the emergency sickle cell unit closes, patients in crisis may be forced to rely solely on standard emergency departments that are often overstretched and not equipped to deliver specialist sickle cell care quickly.

Patients have reported that specialist units reduce waiting times, improve pain management, and provide dignity and reassurance during extremely vulnerable moments. Removing this service risks increased hospital admissions, prolonged pain, and avoidable harm.

Healthcare advocates warn that the closure could also place additional pressure on A&E services, rather than reducing demand.

Calls for Political and NHS Action

The campaign is urging local and national decision-makers to intervene, including local MP Rushanara Ali, whose constituency includes the Royal London Hospital.

Supporters are calling for:

• The immediate halt of the planned closure

• Transparency around the decision-making process

• A commitment to long-term funding for specialist emergency sickle cell care

Campaigners stress that meaningful engagement with patients must be central to any decisions about the future of the service.

How You Can Support the Campaign

The campaign is asking members of the public, healthcare professionals, and organisations to take action by:

• Sharing campaign content and patient testimonies

• Writing to local MPs and NHS leaders

• Standing in solidarity with people living with sickle cell

Every voice helps to highlight the real-world consequences of removing specialist care.

Sickle Cell Is Not a Trial

Closing the emergency sickle cell unit at the Royal London Hospital sends a dangerous message that life-saving care can be temporary. For people living with sickle cell disease, access to specialist emergency treatment is not optional.

It is essential.

The campaign continues to call for urgent action to ensure this service remains open and accessible to those who need it most.