A plaque honouring the lifesaving work of the country’s first sickle cell nurse counsellor, Dame Elizabeth Anionwu OM, was unveiled at a news blood donor centre in the heart of Brixton.
Celebrating Dame Elizabeth’s lifelong commitment to improving the care and life of people living with sickle cell disease and thalassaemia, it marked a new phase in NHS Blood and Transplant’s drive to recruit more Black heritage blood donors for those who are so regularly in need. "When I became the country's first specialist sickle cell nurse counsellor in the 1970s, the disease was not very well known or understood,” Dame Elizabeth recalled.
“The generosity of blood donors, especially from the Black community, is key to alleviating the pain of patients. So, I urge everyone, especially across south London, to make an appointment at this unique centre to give blood and save lives."
Developed in collaboration with community leaders, local businesses and residents, Brixton’s first-ever permanent blood donor centre has been specifically designed to welcome the local community to give blood by creating a friendly, comfortable community environment. Bespoke artwork by local creatives, a ‘hero wall’ showcasing inspirational stories of local young Black blood donors and residents, whose lives have been saved by donations, and a dedicated community space, combine to create a laid-back feel.
Rexford Osei-Bonsu, the Brixton blood donor centre manager, said: “This had been long in the waiting.
"We need more people from a Black, Caribbean and African community to come down and donate. NHS Blood and Transplant data shows that in 2023/24, 210 donations of blood were needed each day to treat patients with sickle cell disease across England.
Over three quarters of this blood – 160 units – is needed by hospitals in London. "We still rely on the generosity of blood donors from the Black community to make a lifesaving difference," Dame Elizabeth said.
