New drive to save lives from VTE in hospital patients
The chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson and the All Party Parliamentary Thrombosis Group have held a leadership summit on venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the NHS.
Health Minister, Ann Keen, the All Party Chair, John Smith MP, and NHS Medical Director, Sir Bruce Keogh were among the speakers at event to raise awareness of the Department of Health's prevention strategy for VTE.
At the event, best practice regional VTE prevention initiatives were showcased and Strategic Health Authorities were encouraged to develop their own initiatives.
A new online educational resource (e-learning) informing clinicians and helping them assess a patient's risk of VTE and take appropriate preventative measures has also been launched.
Chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson said: "The dangers of venous thromboembolism in hospitalised patients have long been recognised. By working with NHS organisations, clinicians and managers and with the medical Royal Colleges we can ensure that all NHS staff and students recognise the dangers of VTE in hospitalised patients.
"By following standardised national preventive strategy that assesses the risk of VTE and by taking the right preventative measures, there is the potential to save thousands of lives each year."
John Smith MP, Chair All Party Parliamentary Thrombosis Group added: "People often forget the scale of the problem we face. VTE is causes 10% of all hospital deaths annually and for those who survive a blood clot, the long term impact on health can be devastating. We hope all hospitals take notice of today's message - VTE risk assessment for hospital patients is not optional – it is a vital life saving measure."
Words: Clare Riley
