End of Year: Thrombosis Ireland
Written by Ann Marie O’Neill, CEO, Thrombosis Ireland
HPN December 2021 Digital – page 16, 17It has been the busiest year in the history of Thrombosis Ireland.
The worry of Covid-19 and the different vaccines has caused confusion and so much added anxiety and fear among thrombosis patients, their families & carers.
We have worked hard to ensure that everyone had access to the latest guidelines and recommendations. They are from the National Coagulation Centre, St. James Hospital. It is so that they could make correct and informed decisions for themselves.
Our phone lines remained open, VTE education sessions with healthcare professionals and patients/families continued throughout the year. But we moved online.
Our continued effort to reach every household in the country in 2020-2021 with our VTE National awareness advertising campaigns. They were on television, national radio, local radio, digital media and all social media platforms. Therefore it was a great success, reaching millions of Irish citizens with our life saving message. But we are acutely aware that there is so much more to to.
What is Thrombosis?
Thrombosis refers to abnormal, life-threatening blood clots that form in the artery or vein. A clot in the vein (usually in the leg or pelvis) is known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A clot that breaks off and travels to the lungs is known as a pulmonary embolism (PE). Together, DVT and PE make up venous thromboembolism (VTE). 60% of all blood clots happen as a direct result of a hospital stay or the 90 days post discharge.
Thrombosis Ireland continue to advocate for a National VTE Clinical Program. VTE patients deserve a fully funded, clear, streamlined pathway through diagnosis, treatment and recovery no matter what hospital they attend. In conclusion, this is to ensure the best possible outcome. Mandatory VTE risk assessment for all patient will save lives.
The risk, the signs and symptoms of blood clots is something every patient should be informed of. In addition to this they should know the importance of getting medical attention fast. This is particularly important when they are being discharged from hospital. This is because they are still at increased risk of thrombosis for a further 90 days.
Blood clots are preventable in many cases and treatable if diagnosed in a timely manner but potentially fatal if ignored.
Preventable death from VTE is not and never will be acceptable.
Continuous education of healthcare professionals is therefore crucial to VTE Patient Safety.
It is a matter of life and death.
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