Summit held to tackle problem of VTE

A summit has been held to help NHS staff understand that venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitals can be a major cause of avoidable death.

Speakers at the event included health minister Ann Keen, the all party chair John Smith and medical director Bruce Keogh. They discussed the important drive to save lives from the medical problem.

As well as encouraging health authorities to develop their own initiatives, they were also informed about programmes that have been put in place to lower the rates of VTE ? such as a new online educational resource to help clinicians assess patients’ risks of the condition.

Ms Keen explained guidance the Department of Health (DoH) launched in September 2008 was the first national preventative strategy of its kind in the world.

“[The] summit will help NHS staff to recognise VTE in the hospital setting as a major cause of avoidable death and ensure that all patients receive a risk assessment upon admission to hospital,” she said.

A copy of the risk assessment is available on the DoH website.