SICKLE docufilm brings awareness of Sickle Cell Disorder to the big screen
02 Apr 2026
On Friday 20 March, Whittington Health staff and system partners were invited to a showing of the docufilm, SICKLE, a compelling and thought-provoking docufilm that uncovers the history and profound impact of Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD).
Full story
Created by The Red Cell Network in collaboration with Black Thrive Haringey and told through heartfelt patient stories and expert insights from healthcare professionals, this powerful film highlights the challenges surrounding this condition with the aim to drive positive change and improve the lives of those living with Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD).
Despite being the most common genetic blood condition in the UK, affecting approximately 17,500 people, with 1 in 15 A&E admissions relating to the disorder, awareness is still not widely known about the debilitating and life-threatening effects Sickle Cell Disorder has for those living with the disorder.
MC’d by Whittington Health's Joint Director of Inclusion, Tina Jegede MBE, the panel was made up of speakers who have been affected by SCD or instrumental in the research and representatives from Whittington Health, including:
- Selina Douglas - Whittington Health CEO
- Kelly Collins - Associate Director of Nursing Emergency and Integrated Medicine
- Anton Forde - SICKLE Producer
- Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu DBE
- Emma Drasar - Consultant Haematologist - Whittington Health
- Dr Carl Reynolds - Consultant Haematologist – Race Health Observatory
- John James OBE - CEO Sickle Cell Society
- Matty Owusu MBE - Sickle Cell Nurse Specialist - Whittington Health
- Charlie Buckle - Patient Representative (who also features in the film.)
How can you watch?
SICKLE is available to watch on YouTube here.
Find out more
If you would like to read more about Sickle Cell Disorder, click here.