THIS week sees the launch of ‘Ask about Clots’ – a new campaign to prevent patients dying from blood clots while in hospital.

It has been estimated that 1,250 people are risk of death every year in Wales from blood clots that they may develop while they are in hospital.

And new research reveals that 62 per cent of people in Wales believe that they are more likely to develop a thrombosis on an aeroplane than in hospital. In reality, two thirds of blood clots occur in hospital or 90 days following discharge.

The good news is that blood clots – also known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – are preventable.

Ask about Clots is encouraging individuals to ask their doctor, nurse or healthcare professional about their risk of developing a blood clot – so that they can be assessed and given appropriate treatment to prevent one developing.

If you would like further information, please visit askaboutclots.co.uk Dr Simon Noble Medical Director for Lifeblood Wales