Through a comprehensive peer review programme, we worked with the UK Forum on Haemoglobin Disorders to improve care quality, ensure compliance with national standards, and support service providers in delivering exceptional care for patients with haemoglobin disorders.

Background

NHS Midlands and Lancashire’s (NHS ML) Nursing and Urgent Care team was commissioned by the UK Forum on Haemoglobin Disorders (UKFHD) to support a three-year peer review programme, concluding in June 2025. This initiative aimed to evaluate specialist haemoglobinopathy services across England against the UKFHD’s national standards. These standards incorporate findings from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia report, No One’s Listening, which highlighted systemic care failings and avoidable deaths in sickle cell care.

Peer review is a recognised method for assessing and improving clinical services, as highlighted in the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Inquiry. It provides external validation of care quality and identifies areas for improvement, aligning services with best practices and ensuring compliance with fundamental care standards.

Action

Our Nursing and Urgent Care team facilitated a thorough evaluation of haemoglobinopathy services, engaging multidisciplinary expertise to conduct peer review visits across England. This comprehensive process assessed clinical procedures, patient care protocols, service delivery, and patient engagement strategies, ensuring alignment with UKFHD’s rigorous standards.

The review process was meticulously planned, incorporating robust governance mechanisms to ensure that findings were validated by all stakeholders. We produced detailed post-review reports highlighting exemplary practices, areas requiring improvement, and any immediate risks to clinical safety. Where critical issues were identified, actions were implemented promptly to mitigate risks.

Through collaboration with providers, we ensured the peer review process not only identified gaps but also provided practical recommendations to enhance care quality and patient experience. The process empowered healthcare providers to adopt a holistic approach, focusing on the broader needs of patients while strengthening organisational practices.

Impact

The programme delivered a multi-faceted impact on providers, commissioners, and the patients they serve. Peer review findings provided external validation of care quality, fostering provider confidence and guiding targeted improvements. Commissioners received robust assurances of service quality and clear pathways for ongoing development.

Providers benefited from actionable insights, helping them to enhance the holistic care experience for patients with sickle cell disease and thalassaemia. This collaborative process also enriched the professional development of peer reviewers, who gained valuable insights into best practices and service delivery.

For patients, the programme resulted in improved care standards and a better overall healthcare journey. The principles and governance established for this large-scale review programme can be applied to other disease groups, driving quality improvements across a wide range of healthcare services.

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