This is the first article in a series of pieces on less known long-term conditions. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited disorders caused by a group of autosomal recessive gene mutation inherited disorders. It affects the haemoglobin (Hb) in the blood and is a devastating chronic condition which causes significant morbidity, resulting in markedly reduced life expectancy (Bhatia and Sheth, 2015). General practice nurses (GPNs) can have a key role in the care and management of patients with SCD, so having an understanding of what it is, who it affects, its symptoms and complications, as well as essential immunisations and treatments is important.