Telling our colleagues to 'ACT NOW' in a sickle cell crisis

Telling our colleagues to 'ACT NOW' in a sickle cell crisis

Through a collaborative project with NHS England, Croydon Health Services has introduced the 'ACT NOW' approach, aimed at equipping Emergency and Urgent Care departments with the tools to quickly identify and effectively treat patients in sickle cell crisis.

The NHS has been actively listening to both patients and clinicians, taking on valuable insights highlighted in the No One’s Listening report , after an inquiry had uncovered that further awareness of sickle cell was vital in order to continue to provide essential care to patients. 

Consequentially, in May earlier this year we rolled out 'ACT NOW', a new approach to improve patient experience for adults and children experiencing a sickle cell crisis and during their most vulnerable moments. 

  • A Analgesia
  • C Compassion
  • T Tests and triggers
  • N Notify
  • O Oxygen
  • W Watch

The acronym has been developed collaboratively with clinical experts and patients and is being piloted across 16 other sites in four regions across England, supporting a rapid and effective response to a sickle cell crisis.

We are continually working with NHS England to ensure our sickle cell patients can receive the best care possible at the right time.