Experts Gather For National Sickle Cell Conference

Main Category: Blood / Hematology
Article Date: 11 Jun 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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Experts from across the country will gather at a conference at De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester next week to discuss the issue of Sickle Cell and deaths in custody.

Sickle Cell is a multi-system disorder that predominantly, but not exclusively, affects those of black and minority ethnic communities.

There has been growing attention and debate on the issue since the sudden death of a black man in official custody was blamed on the Sickle Cell trait.

The conference which takes place on Wednesday (10 June) will examine the health, justice and human rights issues surrounding this area.

People attending the conference include those working in the Sickle Cell community, the criminal justice system, the police and HM prison service and health and legal professionals.

Representatives from the charity INQUEST will chair the event. INQUEST was founded in 1981 following a number of controversial deaths in police and prison custody.

Speakers include Professor Simon Dyson, Director of the Unit for the Social Study of Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell at DMU, who will discuss the myths and misunderstandings surrounding the disorder; Professor Gwyneth Boswell from the University of East Anglia will talk about racism in the criminal justice system; Jane Rutty from DMU's School of Nursing and Midwifery will examine the introduction of speciality custody nursing and Dr Lorna Bennett, Vice-Chair of the Sickle Cell Standards Working Party will look at the guidelines on standards of care for adults with Sickle Cell.

Professor Dyson, said: "A sudden death in police, prison or military custody is an important point of scrutiny for the powers of the state, especially when such a death occurs in a person of minority ethnic descent".

The conference will look at many of the issues surrounding this area and how better practices and procedures can be put in place."

The cost of attending the conference is £130 and runs from 9.30am-4.00pm. Anyone interested in attending should email conferences@dmu.ac.uk or call 0116 250 6213.

People registering as delegates for the event will also receive a free copy of the new book Sickle Cell and Deaths in Custody by Professor Simon Dyson and Professor Gwyneth Boswell.

Source
De Montfort University