General information
Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is committed to providing compassionate, inclusive, and specialized care for children, teens, and adults living with sickle cell disease (SCD), and their families.
We are leading the way in delivering and expanding services to better meet the needs of patients and address the unique challenges this chronic blood disorder presents, such as recurrent anemia, extreme fatigue, and painful crises that often require emergency care. We are also enhancing our processes and increasing training for our teams to support the lived experiences many patients face in accessing care for SCD.
Program Highlights
Partnering with patients and families
SHN is committed to delivering patient-centered care that improves outcomes and enhances quality of life for those living with SCD. To help us achieve this, we are collaborating closely with patients and families, as well as our community and other SCD partners and healthcare providers.
Transforming care: Engaging community at second SCD Town Hall
On February 18, 2025, SHN hosted its second Community SCD Town Hall, which gathered patients, families, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to collaborate and continue to co-design SCD care in Scarborough.
SHN held its first SCD Town Hall on November 18, 2023.
Leading the way to better SCD care
Since developing dedicated committees focused on improving SCD care and tracking important quality metrics, SHN has aligned with Ontario Health’s new quality standards for sickle cell care, and implemented better practices for patients with sickle cell disease — including four new initiatives.
Help shape the future of care as a Patient Family Advisor
Aligned with our efforts to refine SCD care with patient and community feedback in mind, we encourage you to apply to be a Patient Family Advisor (PFA) if you or a loved one has received care for Sickle Cell at SHN.
PFAs are volunteers who share their experiences to enhance hospital care, services, and communication. Whether you were a patient or supported one, your voice is valuable. Apply to become a PFA for Sickle Cell at SHN.
Services
Our Services
SHN’s trained professionals work hard to offer comprehensive care through our paediatric, adult, and crisis management services for SCD. Our dedicated teams consist of specially trained haematologists, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and social workers who are committed to offering culturally safe, high quality care.
Patients living with SCD may visit the emergency department (ED) during a crisis (an episode of severe pain caused by SCD). Our ED teams work hard to consistently meet the standards put in place by the province to keep physician assessment wait times for SCD patients short.
We have also put measures in place to ensure that patients with SCD are identified and assisted sooner, including:
- Self-identification at the ED kiosk. Our ED registration kiosks include self-identification of SCD patients. This crucial step helps streamline the triage process, ensuring prompt and specialized attention is provided.
- Sickle cell awareness training. Our ED and paediatric nurses complete training to expand their knowledge and understanding of SCD patients, aiming to reduce health inequities and barriers to care.
- Standard treatment plans. The ED team has order sets in place for patients with SCD, which are standardized lists of medical orders used by physicians to ensure consistent and efficient patient care. These lists include instructions for medications, tests, treatments, and other procedures tailored to SCD.
Once a patient with SCD has been identified in the ED, they may be treated there and/or referred to one of our SCD clinics as appropriate. Our mobile SCD team, consisting of a nurse and social worker, may also visit the patient in the ED to ensure their needs are being met and that they are aware of the next steps in their treatment.
SHN partnered with The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and opened the SCD paediatric clinic in 2003, and has since been providing patients with SCD compassionate and specialized care. This clinic is dedicated to equipping patients and their families with the necessary tools and knowledge to live full, healthy lives.
The clinic provides genetic counselling, physical examinations, vaccination updates, and access to related subspecialists (i.e. ophthalmology, respirology, etc.).
Appointments by physician referral only.
Location and Hours
Centenary Hospital – 2867 Ellesmere Rd
Kids and Teens Specialty Clinic, 12th floor
Monday, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Contact Us
Call for general inquiries: 416-281-7476
Fax non-referral forms: 437-780-5548
Referrals
Fax: 416-281-7313
The SCD Adult Clinic offers patient-centered care for adults living with SCD. The clinic supports individuals in managing the complex and lifelong impacts of the disease, with a focus on improving quality of life through education, symptom management, and coordinated care. It plays a vital role in ensuring that adults with SCD continue to receive compassionate, expert support as they transition from paediatric services and throughout adulthood.
The clinic offers comprehensive services focused on improving the care and management of adult patients with SCD, including:
- Screening and prevention of complications; and
- Assessment and management of both acute and chronic complications.
Appointments by physician referral only.
Location and Hours
Centenary Hospital – 2867 Ellesmere Rd
GIM Clinic, 4th floor
Wednesday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Referrals
The Adult Sickle Cell Disease Clinic is now accepting referrals from all physicians across the community.
Phone: 416-281-7442
Fax: (416) 281 7384
VaxFacts+ Clinic
Many people have questions about getting vaccinated while living with sickle cell disease, and getting straight answers can be hard. The VaxFacts+ Clinic (also referred to as HealthFacts) offers free, confidential phone appointments with a doctor where you can ask any questions and get trusted information in a judgement free space. An appointment is not a commitment, only a conversation to get the facts you need to make an informed decision.
Visit the VaxFacts+ Clinic page to book a free phone appointment or find answers to frequently asked questions.
Accessing Care
Contact Us
Location and Hours
Centenary Hospital – 2867 Ellesmere Rd
Kids and Teens Specialty Clinic, 12th floor
Monday, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Contact
Call for general inquiries: 416-281-7476
Fax non-referral forms: 437-780-5548
Referrals
Fax referral forms: 416-281-7313
Location and Hours
Centenary Hospital – 2867 Ellesmere Rd
GIM Clinic, 4th floor
Wednesday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Referrals
The Adult Sickle Cell Disease Clinic is now accepting referrals from patients across the community.
Phone: 416-281-7442
Fax: (416) 281 7384
Referral Forms
Additional Resources
See the resources below from trusted organization for comprehensive information, tools, and support to help you navigate sickle cell disease and care management.