New blood centre in Brixton opened by sickle cell awareness campaigner
A plaque honouring the lifesaving work of the country’s first sickle cell nurse counsellor, Dame Elizabeth Anionwu OM, was unveiled at London’s newest blood donor centre in the heart of Brixton.
The accolade recognises Dame Elizabeth’s lifelong commitment to improving the care of people living with sickle cell disease and thalassaemia and heralds a new phase in NHS Blood and Transplant’s drive to recruit more black heritage blood donors from across South London.
Developed in collaboration with community leaders, local businesses and residents, and located on the main shopping artery, Brixton’s first ever permanent blood donor centre has been specifically designed to welcome the local community to give blood by creating a friendly, comfortable community environment.
Artwork by local creatives showcasing inspirational stories of local young black blood donors and residents, whose lives have been saved by donations, and a dedicated community space, combine to create a laid-back feel rooted in the Brixton community.
Consultation rooms at the centre at 444 Brixton Road are named after local landmarks, including Windrush Square and Electric Avenue, while donors are encouraged to share messages on a feedback wall to inspire others.
With the largest black heritage population in England and Wales, Brixton has the potential to significantly boost the numbers of black donors and they are key to treating the increasing numbers of people with sickle cell disease, the UK’s fastest growing genetic disorder.
Donors from black Caribbean and black African heritage are significantly more likely to have the specific ‘Ro’ blood type used to treat sickle cell – a debilitating, life-limiting condition that disproportionately affects the black community.
Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu OM, who opened the new centre, said: “It’s an honour to see the hard work of those who have strived to improve the care of people over several decades recognised in this way.
“When I became the country’s first specialist sickle cell nurse counsellor in the 1970s, the disease was not very well known or understood. But what we did know was that the generosity of blood donors, especially from the black community, was key to alleviating the pain of patients.
“Today, nearly half a century later, and despite major advances in the treatment of sickle cell, we still rely on the generosity of blood donors from the black community to make a lifesaving difference. I urge all people across South London to make an appointment at this unique new centre to give blood and save lives.”
NHS Blood and Transplant chief executive Dr Jo Farrar said: “It is an absolute honour to have Dame Elizabeth open the centre and for us to be able to celebrate her inspirational achievements, especially in supporting and caring for people with sickle cell disease and thalassaemia.”
Brixton donor centre manager Rexford Osei-Bonsu said: “We’re asking Brixton residents to make an appointment at the new donor centre to give blood and help save lives. We have capacity of manage more than 1,000 appointments a week, so I urge all potential donors to sign-up today.
“Register now and book an appointment at blood.co.uk on the GiveBloodNHS app or call 0300 123 23 23”.
Pictured top: Dame Elizabeth with supporters of the new centre (Picture: NHS Blood and Transplant)