COAGULOMETERS

Early day motion 802, tabled 10 March 2004 by Iris Robinson (DUP). Signed by 20 members.

That this House notes that approximately 1.5 per cent. of the population require oral anticoagulation therapy; recognises that hospital warfarin clinics consume substantial resources with time and travel implications for patients; further notes that new hand-held coagulometers can be used by patients in their own homes, simplifying monitoring particularly in elderly and confused patients; is aware that these new coagulometers have been provided elsewhere including to approximately 100,000 patients in Germany, yet in Northern Ireland are only acquired privately or through fundraising efforts; and seeks an extensive appraisal of whether making this less invasive form of INR monitoring more widely available through the NHS could not only benefit and empower patients but save the health service time and money.

Signatures by party: Labour 10, DUP 5, Liberal Democrat 2, Conservative 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, UUP 1.