Hospital matron made MBE for work helping sickle cell patients

The Whittington’s sickle cell community matron Matilda Asante-Owusu has dedicated 36 years to the NHS

A sickle cell community matron at a local hospital has been made an MBE in the New Years Honours.

Matilda (Matty) Asante-Owusu was recognised for her services to patients with sickle cell disorder at Whittington Hospital in Archway.

Matty has dedicated 36 years to the NHS. Her journey began in 1988 when she started her training at Bloomsbury School of Nursing and undertook her nursing placements at the Whittington, before qualifying in 1991.

During her early career working within haematology, Matty discovered her passion for supporting patients with sickle cell disorder after caring for a group of individuals living with the condition.

This experience inspired her to specialise in this field, becoming the very first sickle cell community matron – a role that enables Matty to provide personalised care to patients with sickle cell disorder in their homes.

Reflecting on receiving her MBE for services to patients with sickle cell disorder, Matty said: “When I first saw the letter on the floor, I thought it was a fine! Opening it was a complete shock, but also an incredible moment. I feel deeply honoured and overwhelmed by this recognition.

“My motivation has always been my patients. They are at the heart of everything I do. There’s a real emotional side to my work, but what drives me every day is the opportunity to make a difference in their lives.

“Good patient care motivates me. I want to see patients with sickle cell receiving the care and support they deserve. This award is a step forward in raising awareness of the challenges these patients face and the importance of addressing them.”

Sickle cell disorder is a lifelong health condition that causes unusually shaped red blood cells. This can cause problems because these kinds of cells do not live as long as healthy blood cells and can block blood vessels. People with sickle cell disorder need treatment throughout their lives and experience painful episodes called sickle cell crises, which can be very severe and last for days or weeks

The Whittington supports over 300 adults living with sickle cell disorder, but Matty’s work extends beyond to home visits in Camden, ranging from things like post-hospital admission check-ups to routine health assessments.

Living well with a life-long chronic condition requires a holistic approach to care, as patients who live with sickle cell disorder are at a higher risk of becoming isolated because of the impact the condition has on their social life and their professional life, and Matty has been instrumental in creating initiatives to combat this.

She established a social club for older men with sickle cell disorders, offering them an opportunity to connect over dinner each month. Additionally, she set up the patient users group which brings patients together to hear from expert speakers on topics such as advancements in red cell disorder research, nutrition, and vaccinations.

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