Patients get 'lifeline' as 24/7 blood centre opens
BBCA 24-hour-a-day emergency blood transfusion service described as a "lifeline" for patients has opened.
James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough will provide red blood cell exchanges to patients in crisis, allowing more patients to be treated and ending waiting lists, an NHS Trust said.
Dami Olorunfemi, 40, was born with sickle cell disease and said the symptoms were "excruciatingly painful", affecting every aspect of her life.
But now she feels reassured knowing she can access treatment close to her home in an emergency, adding: "Now I feel I'll live until 70, 80, 90, even 100."
Those with sickle cell disease produce unusually shaped red blood cells.
It can be life-threatening and cause recurring intense pain, when blood vessels become blocked by the misshapen cells.
Dami said: "The pain is so horrible it's indescribable.
"You can have it in your arms, hands or legs. You can struggle to walk and struggle to breathe."
Consultant haematologist Dr Dianne Plews, said the hospital was caring for an "increasing number" of children and adults living with sickle cell disease in Teesside.
It is the country's fastest growing genetic blood disorder and is more prevalent in people of black heritage, the NHS said.
The new service will be open round-the-clock and is a collaboration between the NHS Blood and Transplant Service and South Tees Hospitals Trust.
Patients will have their misshapen blood cells removed and replaced with healthy donor blood.
Claire Broere of the NHS trust said the programme "reduces a lot of the pain patients feel, giving many a new lease of life".
Dami was the first patient to be treated as part of the collaboration.
She said being able to pop over to James Cook for treatment was "really convenient" and "really reassuring".