National award for thrombosis team

Photo: Representatives from Lifeblood present Dr Helen Yarranton (2nd left), Sheena Patel (centre) and Mr Amer Raza (2nd right) with their award

Sheena Patel (Specialist Anticoagulation Pharmacist), Dr Helen Yarranton (Consultant Haematologist) and Mr Amer Raza (Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist) were awarded the ‘Best Obstetrics Venous Thromboembolism Prevention' on 4 February 2013 at the National Lifeblood VTE Awards.

Lifeblood, the thrombosis charity,and its awards partners, the All-Party Parliamentary Thrombosis Group and the NHS Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Prevention Programme, understand the challenges in delivering sustainable improvements in VTE prevention and believe that the most innovative, impactful initiatives and individuals deserve to be recognised and rewarded.

Lifeblood recognised the team’s multifaceted approach and exemplary leadership, dedication and ambition to strive for excellence and improve patient safety within the Obstetrics department at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and their aim to reduce venous thromboembolism events.

Some of the changes and innovations undertaken by the team included:

• An electronic VTE risk assessment specific for pregnant women with pop-up alerts and a training video on how to complete risk assessments
• A comprehensive obstetrics anticoagulation pocket guide covering VTE management
• Awareness and best practice in the use of anti-embolism stockings via posters displayed in clinical areas on the measuring, application and monitoring of anti-embolism stockings
• Specific patient information on VTE for pregnant women and how they can reduce their chance of developing blood clots
• Obstetric VTE ward rounds with summary reports circulated to the department on findings and improvements