- Conference
- 2011 National Black Members' Conference
- Date
- 3 September 2010
- Decision
- Carried
Conference, Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia are inherited, genetic conditions which is caused by both parents being carriers of the haemoglobin otherwise known as the S gene, for thalassaemia its either A – Alpha or B- Beta.
If both parents are carriers there is a 1 in 4 chance of any children produced within the relationship having the disorder, 2 in 4 chance of being a carrier or a 1 in 4 chance of being healthy.
Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia is an increase and growing disorder which affects 1 in 50% of the Asian and Black population especially children and young people including some Europeans in the community. It affects the lives of families relationships when a crisis occurs. Individuals are unable to work, socialise, engage full-time relationships due mainly to being hospitalised during a crisis which occurs without warning at anytime.
A crisis can be brought on by stress, cold weather, living conditions.
Conference, some sufferers do not live beyond the age of 30 and for those who do, have to be extremely strict with themselves as to how they manage their lifestyle.
Conference, people suffering with this disorder have difficulty holding down a stable job due to the unpredictability of when a crisis occurs, some experience difficulty with their Managers who lack understanding of the disorder.
Conference calls upon the National Black Member Conference (NBMC) to:
1.Liaise with the National Disabled Members Committee, Health Service Group and other relevant bodies to raise awareness of the disorder and its effects on sufferers within the workplace.
2.Encourage Regions and Branches to promote the use of Equality Impact Assessments on the employers new and existing Sickness Procedures to remove any adverse effects on members with disabilities such a Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia.
3.To support and encourage Regions to arrange Health Seminars addressing Black health issues, similar to that of the Greater London Regional Black Members.