Closure of Sickle Cell Day Unit at the Royal London Hospital

That this House recognises that sickle cell anaemia is the UK’s fastest-growing genetic condition, with nearly 300 babies born with the condition each year; notes that approximately 15,000–17,000 people in England are living with sickle cell disease and that the condition can cause severe, life-threatening pain crises and complications requiring specialist care; acknowledges the value of dedicated services such as the Sickle Cell Day Unit at the Royal London Hospital, which provides rapid, expert treatment and reduces pressure on emergency departments; is concerned by the trial closure of this Day Unit which will extend travel times for urgent care, place increased strain on neighbouring services, and risk poorer health outcomes for patients requiring highly specialised support; calls on the Government and NHS England to ensure that specialist sickle cell services are maintained and expanded in line with clinical need and patient demand; and urges the Government to develop a national strategy for specific and specialised sickle cell care that includes sustainable investment in specialist units, staff training and treatments.