The Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Antenatal and Newborn Screening Specialist Genetic Nurse Counsellor plays a pivotal and autonomous role in the effective delivery and strategic leadership of the NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme, as well as the Newborn Blood Spot Screening Programme. As a highly skilled clinical expert and genetic counsellor, the postholder provides comprehensive information, guidance, and psychosocial support to individuals and couples identified as carriers or at risk of having a child affected by a serious haemoglobin disorder. This support empowers patients to make informed decisions regarding reproductive choices and care pathways.
Acting as a central resource for women, their families, and the wider multidisciplinary team, the postholder ensures the delivery of a high-quality, clinically effective, and person-centred service. The role involves leading and managing a specialist clinical and counselling service that meets the needs of a diverse population and adheres to national best practice and standards. A key aspect of the position includes liaising with the National Screening Committee and other external bodies to ensure full compliance with national guidelines and quality assurance measures, as well as preparing reports and updates on behalf of the Trust.
- Provide counselling, support, and advice to women and their partners throughout maternity care regarding genetic concerns and the availability of relevant services.
- Deliver ongoing counselling and arrange partner testing for all women identified as carriers of a haemoglobin variant.
- Offer counselling to couples receiving high-risk screening results, ensuring clear communication and emotional support.
- Support women identified as being at risk of having a baby with a major haemoglobinopathy, offering guidance on available options.
- Provide ongoing support and effective liaison for women who opt for antenatal diagnostic procedures.
- Offer sensitive support and coordination of care for women who choose to terminate their pregnancy following diagnosis
NMUH North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Hospital Trust (NMUH) is one of London’s busiest healthcare providers, providing hospital care and community services for the 350,000 people living in Enfield, Haringey and beyond. Our specialist services include HIV, cardiology, blood disorders, diabetes, fertility, sickle cell and thalassemia. In addition to a full range of cancer diagnosis and treatment services, the Helen Rollason Cancer Support Centre is based on-site and provides services to support cancer patients’ wellbeing. We also provide community services and have a dedicated 0-19 service for children and young people in Enfield so that they can get the best possible start in life. This includes health visitors and school nurses who are delivering the national Healthy Child Programme, which provides a structured framework for the delivery of key interventions to support the health and wellbeing of children and families from 0 to 5 and school aged children from 5-19. The 0-19 service aims to improve pathways and partnerships with services in the hospital and deliver excellent care for the children and families. For more information, please access the following link: https://www.northmid.nhs.uk/
For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Sekayi Tangayi Job title: Consultant Nurse Email address: sekayi.tangayi@nhs.net Telephone number: 07946685603
Advert-
Are you passionate about making a real difference in a diverse and high-risk community? We are seeking a
Genetic Counselling Specialist Nurse to join our dynamic
Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Service at
North Middlesex University Hospital, supporting the
Antenatal and Linked Newborn Screening Pathway.
🔬 About The Role
In this vital role, you will work in close collaboration with the
Maternity Screening Service,
Neonatal and Paediatric Teams, and
HSL Laboratory Teams to deliver and develop the antenatal and newborn screening programme for
sickle cell, thalassaemia, and other haemoglobin variants.
You will provide specialist genetic counselling and follow-up care for families and individuals identified as carriers or affected by haemoglobinopathies, ensuring culturally sensitive, evidence-based care and support throughout the screening pathway.
👶 Key Responsibilities
- Deliver and coordinate the sickle cell and thalassaemia screening pathway in antenatal and newborn settings
- Provide high-quality genetic counselling and education to patients and families
- Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure timely and effective communication of screening results and follow-up plans
- Support education and training initiatives for healthcare professionals across maternity and paediatrics
- Contribute to audits, service development, and ongoing quality improvement initiatives
💡 About You
- Registered Nurse (NMC) with experience in haemoglobinopathy care, genetic counselling, or maternity/paediatrics
- Post-registration qualification or significant experience in genetic counselling or haemoglobinopathies desirable
- Excellent communication skills and cultural sensitivity to engage with our diverse local population
- Strong teamwork and coordination skills across multidisciplinary settings
- Passionate about reducing health inequalities and improving outcomes for families
🌍 Why Join Us?
At North Middlesex Hospital, you’ll be part of a committed and innovative team serving a
diverse, vibrant community with
high prevalence of inherited haemoglobin conditions. We’re dedicated to equitable care, compassionate support, and continuous improvement.
Ready to take the next step in your specialist nursing career?
Apply now and be part of shaping the future of genetic screening and counselling at North Mid.
