09/03/2024
Sleep Well, Evan!
Honouring Evan Nathan Smith
Betty and Charles Smith formally opened the Evan Nathan Smith Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Unit at North Middlesex University Hospital, at an emotional event which paid tribute to their son, who passed away in tragic circumstances.
Evan, 21, from Walthamstow, died in April 2019. While experiencing a sickle cell crisis, he rang 999 from his hospital bed after being denied oxygen, and would not have died if medical staff had recognised his symptoms and treated him sooner.
Evan's passing was the catalyst for our high profile campaigns for better treatment of people with sickle cell, including co-authoring the 'No One's Listening' report , and further investigations into sickle cell nursing care which led to ‘The difference between life and death’ report which we launched in 2023.
The unveiling of the brass plaque was filled with profound emotions, echoing the love and memories shared by Evan's friends and family. Evan, a recent graduate in financial economics, was known as an exceptionally conscientious and hardworking person with a bright future ahead of him.
Thanking Mr and Mrs Smith, North Middlesex University Hospital’s chief executive Dr Nnenna Osuji said: “I speak on behalf of everyone at North Mid when I commit us to honouring Evan’s legacy by continuing to improve care for sickle cell and thalassaemia patients, living up to the trust of Evan’s family and friends.”
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