WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY

Early day motion 276, tabled 17 June 2010 by John Hemming (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 37 members.

That this House celebrates the United Nations World Sickle Cell Day on 19 June 2010; notes that sickle cell disease is the most common genetic disease in England; believes that allocation of NHS resources should reflect this; recognises that some improvements have been made in the UK in treatment and screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia, but that care received by patients is still variable, leading to unnecessary deaths in the most extreme cases; calls on the Government to continue improving services for patients with these conditions; further recognises the need for better education of the medical, nursing and social care professions regarding the conditions; and further calls on the Government to support the work of the voluntary sector in improving awareness of the conditions within the communities affected, in schools and amongst the wider public.

Signatures by party: Labour 18, Liberal Democrat 10, Conservative 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, DUP 2, Independent 1.