18 August 2009
Doctors and nurses at Epsom and St Helier hospitals have adopted a new set of guidelines to help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) - a condition that kills 25,000 people per year in the UK alone.
Thrombosis, which is more commonly known as a blood clot, kills more people than cancer and road traffic accidents put together and now every patient admitted to the Trust's hospitals will be assessed to see if they are at risk of developing a clot.
If necessary, patients at risk of developing DVT will be given stockings to wear or medication to prevent clots - known as anticoagulants.
Jude Wolstenholme, an anti-coagulation nurse specialist at the Trust, explained why the new approach will be of real benefit to patients: "These guidelines are a fantastic development and they're definitely a step in the right direction. The fact is, preventable thrombosis is a major cause of death in this country, and unfortunately, not enough people realise that.
"With the help of these guidelines we will know of each patient that is at risk of DVT throughout their stay at our hospitals. We'll be keeping a record of each high-risk patient so that everyone involved in their care will know at all times.
"Thrombosis is often called a 'Cinderella' syndrome because it's overlooked and put on the back burner. It's time now for that attitude to change. If more people are aware of the risks, signs and symptoms we can significantly reduce the number of thrombosis related deaths.
"Reducing the number of deaths because of thrombosis, especially DVT, is something that we are all responsible for. We must work to prevent these clots rather than treating them. If you are immobile, over 40, obese or have a major illness, you are more at risk and should consult your GP if you are concerned."
The new guidelines, which have been recommended by the Department of Health for every hospital, will be launched at Epsom and St Helier hospitals from August 5.
There are different types of thrombosis, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where a blood clot forms deep inside your leg; or a pulmonary embolism, where part of the blood clot breaks away and travels to the lungs.
To keep the risk of blood clots to a minimum, especially during a stay at hospital, it is recommended that people drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, stay mobile and raise any concerns with their ward nurse or doctor.
DVT can sometimes be recognised by pain, tenderness and swelling of the leg - usually the calf, but does not always present symptoms. A pulmonary embolism can be recognised by shortness or breath, chest pain that worsens when you breathe in or a sudden collapse.
Most people affected by thrombosis are older, but anyone can suffer from thrombosis, occasionally even children and babies.
For more information about thrombosis, visit the Trust's website at www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/thrombosis.
