LIFEBLOOD THROMBOSIS CHARITY

Early day motion 413, tabled 27 November 2007 by John Smith (Labour). Signed by 55 members.

That this House congratulates Lifeblood, the thrombosis charity, on the tireless campaigning it has undertaken over the past five years in raising the profile of thrombosis amongst politicians and decision-makers whilst providing vital information and support to patients and their families on all areas of thrombosis and its related conditions; recognises that over 25,000 people die each year from venous thromboembolism (VTE) or blood clots, contracted in hospital, which is many times the number of deaths per year from hospital-acquired infections; notes that many of the deaths from VTE are preventable with safe and cost-effective methods of prevention available; is concerned that hospitals are not following the Chief Medical Officer's best practice recommendations published in April; and calls on the Government to ensure that all patients, both medical and surgical, who are admitted to hospital undergo a mandatory documented risk assessment for venous thrombosis and that this is audited to ensure implementation of this life-saving measure.

Signatures by party: Labour 27, Liberal Democrat 15, Conservative 4, DUP 4, Independent 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, UUP 1.