(LIMERICK: 07.10.2024): REGIONAL health managers and medics, along with PATIENT advocates, have gathered at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) this Friday to raise awareness on blood clots ahead of World Thrombosis Day.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition in which a blood clot forms, most often in the deep veins of the leg, groin or arm, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These can travel in the circulation, lodging in the lungs (known as pulmonary embolism, PE). Together, DVT and PE are known as VTE — a dangerous, potentially deadly medical condition.
Around one in 12 people will develop a blood clot over the course of their lives and it is estimated that one in four people will die from causes related to blood clots.
A range of awareness events, including information stands for the public, have been taking place at UHL this week ahead of World Thrombosis Day on Sunday October 13th.
And this Friday, Ms Sandra Broderick, Regional Executive Officer, HSE Mid West was joined by colleagues and patient advocates Melanie Cleary and John Wall by a specially branded emergency response vehicle to mark the day.
Ms Cleary was last week honoured as Thrombosis Ireland’s National VTE Champion for 2024 for her advocacy following the tragic death of her 21-year-old daughter Eve within hours of her discharge from UHL in July 2019. Eve passed after developing clots in her lung and the hospital has committed to honouring Eve’s memory through a rolling audit programme to ensure best practice in preventing, diagnosing and managing VTE.
“I am so proud to see Limerick shining a light on thrombosis for World Thrombosis Day 2024,” said Ms Cleary. “Education and awareness is sometimes half the battle in the fight against thrombosis, which we know all too well can become life-changing or fatal. In Ireland every year there are 4,000 thrombosis-related deaths. It is estimated nearly half of these deaths are preventable. Through the new protocols (Eve’s), we hope to continue to raise awareness of thrombosis, to reduce the risks associated with thrombosis and saves lives.”
Ms Broderick commented: “I am delighted to be joined by Melanie and by John today to highlight World Thrombosis Day. Events like today’s are so important, particularly in the hospital setting as we know 60% of all blood clots are directly related to a hospital stay. I strongly encourage patients in hospital to ask for a blood clot risk assessment and to be aware of symptoms to look out for after they are discharged.”
“In memory of the late Eve Cleary, and in the spirit and name of her legacy, we have introduced a rolling audit programme on recognising, reducing and managing VTE each quarter and its findings are shared across our governance group. HSE Mid West is committed to Eve’s programme to ensure we have best practice.
People with the following symptoms are advised to seek medical help immediately:
- Swelling, pain or heaviness in one leg or arm, or pain in the pelvic or buttock area
- Warmth or redness in one leg or arm
- Chest pain, particularly when breathing deeply
- Coughing or coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Severe headache that won’t go away or blurred vision
People are most at risk of developing a blood clot if:
- You are admitted to hospital or 90 days after you go home
- You have cancer or are receiving cancer treatment
- You are pregnant or in the six weeks after you have given birth
- You are ill and become immobile with more than three days in bed
- You have been non-stop travelling for more than six hours
- You have a lower limb injury and are in a leg cast
- You have a personal or family history of blood clots
- You are taking the combined oral contraceptive pill or oral hormone-replacement therapy
- You have had Covid-19 in the last few months
To learn more about blood clots visit https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/blood-clots/
Last updated on: 14 / 10 / 2024
