A GROUNDBREAKING inquiry by MPs has found “serious care failings” in acute services for sickle cell patients and evidence of attitudes underpinned by racism. 

The report by the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on sickle cell and thalassaemia, led by Labour MP Pat McFadden and published today, found that care failings had led to deaths and “near misses” were not uncommon. 

The inquiry found evidence of sub-standard care for sickle cell patients on general wards and A&E, a lack of awareness of the condition among healthcare professionals, and clear examples of inadequate training and insufficient investment in care for this area. 

Healthcare professionals routinely failed to comply with national care standards around pain relief when patients attend A&E, it adds. 

The MPs also found frequent reports of negative attitudes towards patients with sickle cell, a condition which predominantly affects people with African or Caribbean heritage. 

A “weight of evidence” suggests that these attitudes are underpinned by racism, the report states, adding these concerns have led to a fear and avoidance of hospitals by many people with the condition. 

One notable case reviewed by the APPG was the death of sickle cell patient Evan Nathan Smith in North Middlesex University Hospital in April 2019. An inquest found that he would not have died had there not been failings in the care he received. 

As part of the inquiry, MPs also heard oral testimonies from expert witnesses including sickle cell patients, patients’ carers and family members, clinicians and representatives from relevant healthcare bodies.

On negative attitudes, one patient told the inquiry that healthcare professionals often assumed that they were “drug-seekers.” 

“As sickle is mainly a black illness, they jump to the conclusion that we’re all ‘junkies’ and not in pain at all …” Diane Crawford said. 

“If we were cancer patients it would be totally different, they have high doses of morphine, no questions asked and extra if they need it because they are mainly white people.”

Mr McFadden said that he hoped the report, which is the most comprehensive carried out by the APPG to date, will be taken seriously by the government and NHS. 

Sickle Cell Society CEO John James said: “This report is an urgent call to action and should be a turning point that addresses these serious failures of care and secures long-overdue improvements.”