Sickle cell disease: managing acute painful episodes in hospital

Your healthcare team

Everyone in the healthcare team that is looking after you should have regular training in pain monitoring, pain relief and identifying possible complications of an acute painful sickle cell episode. They should also be aware that preconceptions about people with sickle cell disease seeking drugs and/or attention are not acceptable.

If one is available, you should be cared for in a specialist sickle cell daycare centre where staff have expert knowledge and training. Staff in specialist centres should also provide support to any healthcare professionals who care for you in hospital emergency departments.

You should be cared for in a place that is suitable for you. For example, children should be cared for in a dedicated children's ward or unit.

If you are pregnant, your healthcare team should get advice from an obstetrics team – that is, a team specialising in the care of pregnant women.