North Hertfordshire College’s Access to HE, Science, and Health & Social Care students participated in a sickle cell disorder awareness session, incorporating emotive real-world narratives.
The session was designed to educate, empower, and inspire the future healthcare workforce to advocate for this patient group and improve health outcomes for people living with sickle cell disorder (SCD).
The informative day included a series of talks including ‘Introduction to Sickle Cell’ with Carol Roughley from Sickle Cell CNS at Lister Hospital, an ‘Introduction to antenatal and newborn screening’ delivered by Victoria Barton (Lead Midwife for Antenatal and Newborn Screening, Lister Hospital), an ‘Expert by Experience’ session from Toks Odesanmi (Advocacy Link Worker for Sickle Cell Society), a documentary screening of ‘Sickle’ film, and an insightful Q&A panel.
The conference at North Hertfordshire College was designed to help future healthcare workers approach the condition with care and empathy through having the knowledge, understanding, and skills to assist people in sickle cell crisis, especially because sufferers can be seen to be exaggerating. The myth-busting session about the disorder was insightful and helped destigmatise the disease, supporting our future healthcare workers in approaching the condition with care.
Toks, who was diagnosed with sickle cell disorder as a child, spoke about her life experiences from childhood through to the decision of whether to have children, and her current treatment and condition management.
Our students from Access to HE, T Level Science, and Health & Social care found the day really inspiring. One learner commented: “Prior to the session, I assumed SCD only affected black people. I had no idea how many people were affected and how.”
This event was designed by Carol, a former North Hertfordshire College Access to HE learner. She now works at Lister Hospital in partnership with charities, community groups, and hospitals across London and the southeast. She also holds an Honorary Contract Service at University College London Hospitals. Carol’s role is not just developing student and existing practitioners’ understanding of the medical aspects of SCD, but also the psychological and social impact.
Dr Julie Savage, Access to HE Programme Co-ordinator for Nursing & Midwifery, Counselling, and Health Science Diplomas, stated: “These sessions are an important part of our students’ learning experience at NHC. Giving them an opportunity to learn from real life experts allows them to understand issues in much greater detail and with improved understanding. This conference was a real insight for all of our students, thank you.”
Thank you to all of the speakers for joining us for this conference and sharing your knowledge and expertise.
Are you interested in starting your own journey into the healthcare sector? North Hertfordshire College offers courses for school leavers and adult learners, giving you the chance to be the best you. Ever. Explore our courses and start your journey today.