NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme

Since its creation in 2001, hanover has provided public relations and wider communications support to the NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme. We designed the Programme's flower logo, supported its ambitious and successful roll-out, and have helped it to repeatedly reach the relevant target audiences - including health professionals and NHS managers plus expectant mothers and the specific 'hard to reach' ethnic groups that the diseases predominantly affect.

Beyond our core work of proactive and targeted media relations, we recently developed a range of 'easy read' materials for practitioners to use when explaining to patients the complex messages around genetic screening, as well as the production of a regular newsletter to reach health professionals.

We have also helped the Programme to use high profile supporters and advocates. A recent event in partnership with the Sickle Cell Society was attended by 12 London Borough Mayors, three Ambassadors and the Archbishop of York. The Screening Programme is now fully rolled out across England at both the newborn and antenatal stage.