THE countess of Chester Hospital has launched an initiative to prevent blood clots, becoming the first North West hospital trust to earn ‘Exemplar’ status.

This accolade ensures the trust is doing everything it can to prevent Venous Thromboembolism (VTE).

More than 25,000 each year are caused by Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in the UK, more than breast cancer, AIDS and road traffic accidents put together – and many of these are preventable.

The chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, expects all adult patients to be risk assessed.

As a result, throughout 2009 the Countess of Chester Hospital’s thrombosis team worked hard to launch a major initiative called Stop the Clot 2010 and will now ensure that a detailed risk assessment is carried out in all adult in-patients and day cases when they are admitted to the hospital.

Mr Sameh Dimitri, chair of the thrombosis team and consultant vascular and general surgeon, said: “The important thing to remember about blood clots is that they are preventable with the correct care and attention.

“It is our aim to ensure that everyone that comes into the hospital is given a full assessment in line with their potential risk – based on their age, health and other factors such as family history – in order to minimise the likelihood of them suffering a clot.

“Depending on a patient’s health, the actions we take will vary.

“For example, a young, fit and healthy adult may require a simple measure such as compression stockings based on their risk assessment.

“However, more at risk patients with a family history of venous thromboembolism may require more complex management. Each course of treatment is tailored to the individual’s needs.”

As a result of the Trust’s tireless hard work, the Countess was chosen as the first venous thromboembolism (VTE) Exemplar Centre in the North West of England following the All Parliamentary Thrombosis Implementation Working Group visit and assessment of the Trust in January.

Mr Dimitri commented: “VTE Exemplar Centre status is given to Trusts that excel in VTE prevention and care.”