Wolverhampton has a significant percentage of black and ethnic minority population and is typical of an area where information, support, education, counselling and screening is vital to the community at risk (18.6% 1991 census). It has been identified that the carrier frequency of thalassaemia in Wolverhampton is 1 in 6. The national figure indicates the carrier frequency rate for thalassaemia in Asians is 1 in 10-30 this figure includes all individuals tested for thalassaemia including those not from the affected communities, whereas screening in Wolverhampton only applies to the targeted communities. (ref: HTA 2000;Vol 4 No.3).

There are thousands of healthy carriers in Wolverhampton and it is vital that carriers receive appropriate information and support in order to assist them make-informed choices regarding any reproductive risk. The Project considers this to be a priority issue.

Currently the Project has approximately 84 Sickle Cell Disorders registered with the Project, and has identified 3 Thalassaemia Majors in Wolverhampton. Individuals living with the disorder and their families require varying levels of support from the Project. We have identified that approximately 21% of Sickle Cell Disorders are admitted to hospital more

frequently than others. The Project provides support during periods of ill health to maximise effective management of the condition, assessment of needs and delivery of care whilst in hospital. The Project also assists with the discharge process of patients offering support and assisting to settle back in to their homes.