NATIONAL THROMBOSIS WEEK 2006

Early day motion 2091, tabled 3 May 2006 by John Smith (Labour). Signed by 71 members.

That this House congratulates Lifeblood, the thrombosis charity, for organising its second annual National Thrombosis Week from 8th to 14th May with a focus on healthy legs; recognises that many thousands of people die each year from venous thromboembolism (VTE) (blood clots) contracted in hospital; notes that many of these deaths are preventable, with safe, cost-effective methods of preventing venous thrombosis; is concerned that these are not being administered as widely as they should; calls on the Government to ensure that all patients, both medical and surgical, who are admitted to hospital undergo a risk assessment for venous thrombosis; recommends that thrombosis committees be established in each hospital to promote best practice and to be a source of education and training for all staff; and further recommends that the Healthcare Commission undertake, as part of its audit process, an investigation into the availability and use of VTE prevention protocols in each hospital as a matter of urgency to halt the alarming number of avoidable deaths.

Signatures by party: Labour 44, Liberal Democrat 12, Conservative 7, DUP 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Scottish National Party 1.