Brixton honours sickle cell pioneer at unique new NHS blood donor centre specifically designed to inspire the local community to give blood

A plaque honouring the lifesaving work of the country’s first sickle cell nurse counsellor, Dame Elizabeth Anionwu OM, will be unveiled at London’s newest and boldest blood donor centre in the heart of Brixton, on Wednesday 22 January.

The accolade recognises Dame Elizabeth’s lifelong commitment to improving the care of people living with sickle cell disease and thalassaemia and heralds a new phase in NHS Blood and Transplant’s drive to recruit more Black heritage blood donors from across south London.

Brixton's new donor centre

Outside Brixton Donor Centre Developed in collaboration with community leaders, local businesses and residents, and located on the main shopping artery, 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 rooted in the Brixton community.

Consultation rooms are named after local landmarks, including Windrush Square and Electric Avenue, while donors are encouraged to share messages on a feedback wall to inspire others.

Brixton was identified as the ideal location for the new centre because of its young and diverse population and renowned community spirit of giving.

With the largest Black heritage population in England and Wales, the south London neighbourhood has the potential to significantly boost the numbers of Black heritage donors.

The need for more Black heritage donors

The need for more donors, especially those of Black Caribbean and Black African heritage has never been greater. Blood donations from Black communities are key to treating the increasing numbers of people with sickle cell disease, the UK’s fastest growing genetic disorder.

Donors from Black Caribbean and Black African heritage are significantly more likely to have the specific ‘Ro’ blood type used to treat sickle cell - a debilitating, life-limiting condition that disproportionately affects the Black community.

More than half of Black heritage blood donors (56 per cent) have the Ro blood type, compared with just 2.4 per cent of donors from other ethnicities.

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, with over three quarters of this blood – 160 units – needed by hospitals in London.

Statements

Statement from Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu OM

Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu OM, who opened the new centre said:

“It’s an honour to see the hard work of those who have strived to improve the care of people with sickle cell and thalassaemia over several decades recognised in this way.

“When I became the country’s first specialist sickle cell nurse counsellor in the 1970s, the disease was not very well known or understood. But what we did know was that the generosity of blood donors, especially from the Black community, was key to alleviating the pain of patients.

“Today, nearly half a century later, and despite major advances in the treatment of sickle cell, we still rely on the generosity of blood donors from the Black community to make a lifesaving difference. That’s why the opening of the Brixton donor centre, in the heart of the community and shaped by the community, is such an important achievement.

“I urge all people across south London to make an appointment at this unique new centre to give blood and save lives.”

Statement from Dr Jo Farrar CB OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Blood and Transplant

NHS Blood and Transplant Chief Executive, Dr Jo Farrar CB OBE, said:

“We have worked in partnership with community groups, Brixton based blood donors, and local businesses to deliver a centre and experience that’s rooted in Brixton - from bespoke artwork created by local artists to inspirational stories from Black Brixtonians who have saved lives through their donations.

“The Brixton donor centre is open for business and our skilled staff are on-hand to guide south Londoners through the donation process and welcome them to the community of life savers.

“It is an absolute honour to have Dame Elizabeth open the centre and for us to be able to celebrate her inspirational achievements, especially in supporting and caring for people with sickle cell disease and thalassaemia.”

Statement from Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

“The opening of the new blood donor centre in the heart of Brixton will be vitally important in addressing the huge need for blood donors, particularly from Black communities.

“There is an urgent need for more Black Londoners to give blood to provide life-saving transfusions to sickle cell patients, as well as for use in emergencies, childbirth, during surgery and in cancer treatments.

“I know from personal experience that giving blood is quick, easy, and painless, and I want to encourage Londoners to step forward, roll up their sleeves and help save lives, as we build a better, healthier London for everyone.”

Statement from Baroness Gillian Merron, Minister of State for Patient Safety

Minister of State for Patient Safety, Baroness Gillian Merron, said:

“Dame Elizabeth’s lifelong commitment to improving the care of people with sickle cell disease is an inspiration.

“This innovative blood donor centre in Brixton is a vital step towards tackling stark health inequalities. With sickle cell disease disproportionately affecting the Black community, we urgently need more Black heritage donors.

“I urge everyone to donate blood, if they are able to, and help save people’s lives.”

Statement from Professor Habib Naqvi, Chief Executive of the NHS Race and Health Observatory

Professor Habib Naqvi, Chief Executive of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, said:

“Every time you donate blood, you can save up to three lives, and yet we know that only 1% of regular blood donors are from Black African or Black Caribbean backgrounds.

“There’s no substitute for matched blood, and there are a lot of patients from diverse communities who need blood – sometimes in emergency situations. The new donor centre in Brixton will go a long way to obtaining a constant supply of blood from diverse, altruistic donors – helping to ensure patients get the lifesaving blood transfusions that they need.”

Statement from Rexford Osei-Bonsu, Brixton Donor Centre Manager

Brixton Donor Centre Manager, Rexford Osei-Bonsu, said:

“We’re asking Brixton residents to make an appointment at the new donor centre to give blood and help save lives. We have capacity of manage more than 1,000 appointments a week, so I urge all potential donors to sign-up today.

“The entire donation process takes just an hour. Donors complete a health questionnaire as part of the screening process, before working with our fantastic health team to make their life saving donation, which takes around ten minutes.

“Donors can only give blood around four times a year, so recruiting more donors is vital to securing London’s blood stocks. Each donation can save up to three lives, so every Brixton resident who comes forward is making a vital contribution to the lives, health and wellbeing of Londoners."