Joint win for hospital teams in preventing blood clots

Two teams from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital have won a joint award in the Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) category at the British Journal of Nursing awards.

Julie Kidd, Staff Nurse from the Fracture Clinic, and Liz Lorie, Anticoagulation Nurse Specialist from the VTE (Venous Thromboembolism) Team, received the award at a ceremony held at the Shakespeare's Underglobe, in London.

The award was for introducing a risk assessment for preventing DVTs in patients who have lower limb injuries and need to be immobilised. Where necessary, patients can be offered medication, splints or walking boots which reduce the risk of DVTs. Nursing staff in the fracture clinic also talk to all patients with lower limb immobilisation about their risk of DVT and inform patients about what to do if they develop signs and symptoms of DVT.

Dr Jennie Wimperis, Consultant in haematology at NNUH, said: “Many people in hospital and in the community suffer from DVTs and the role of the nurse in supporting and treating these patients cannot be underestimated. This award recognises the work of our teams in making a significant impact on patients with, or at risk of DVT in their care.”

Mr James Wimhurst, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at NNUH, said: “We want our patients to make the best possible recovery following an injury. Our teams deserve recognition for the way they have worked together to get the right outcomes for our patients by helping them to understand the risks and treatment options.”