Sutter Children's Center, Sacramento provides specialty care to children with sickle cell disease through inpatient care and outpatient services.
The Sickle Cell Disease Clinic offers comprehensive care to children with sickle cell disease and other problems that affect the red blood cells. A multi-disciplinary team works with the child and family to address all aspects of a child's physical, mental and emotional well-being. The clinic provides care from birth through age 21, and acts as a coordination point for genetic counseling and inpatient, outpatient and home care.
The clinic's team is made up of pediatric hematologists, nurse practitioners, social workers and pediatric dietitians and nutritionists. Following a comprehensive evaluation by the pediatric hematologist, nurse practitioner and social worker, children are referred to other team members and specialists, as needed, to establish comprehensive view of the child's condition.
The family-centered approach to care includes providing ample education and support to meet daily challenges, as well as any acute situations that arise. The clinic's social worker acts as a resource for families and also helps them tap into community and national support systems. The social worker also works as a liaison with the child's school in addressing the special needs of each patient and optimizing the education process.
