There is a history of thrombosis in my family

There is a history of thrombosis in my family

There is a history of thrombosis in my family - my father survived a PE and my brother has recently had a DVT following a knee operation (no thromboprophylaxis!), but when I first became aware of Thrombosis UK, my knowledge of blood clots (thrombosis) was still quite poor. The very first thing I did learn, was the immense effect thrombosis has on an individual who survives a potentially fatal blood clot. I learned it can be devastating - from physical pain, increased risk and potential consideration on many future decisions, to the emotional and psychological impact.

The next thing I learned was the incredible impact a charity determined to make a difference can have. Remembering that there are less than two full time members of staff, the reach of this charity to:

  • Support all those affected by thrombosis
  • Educate those involved with diagnosing and managing blood clots
  • Extend understanding of the complexities of blood clots through research

Is second to none – and could not be done without the involvement and support of its Trustees, supports and staff.

So last month, when I wrote, what was intended to be a simple update of the first half of 2018 activities of Thrombosis UK for the Trustees, I had to draw breath... this tiny team had achieved how much?.... and only half way through the year??

So, in my second blog, I wanted to share this and ask you all to please

  1. Spread awareness of thrombosis – YOU really can make a difference and even save a life
  2. Join in our #StepUpToStopClots campaign – together, step by step we can conquer clots
  3. Support by donating to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stepuptostopclotstukteam It may be a virtual walk but every step is being taken by the team. Seven days a week we are all out adding on the steps to help make that difference

Look what just the last six months has achieved…Team Thrombosis UK – is us all...

Regular work streams continue everyday - from the Thrombosis UK HelpLine and email support to preparation for the update in GDPR and the development of the new data base.

However, since January 2018, support for our work has enabled us to also deliver...

‘Let’s Talk Clots’ National Thrombosis conferences... 24 days in May

A total of ten conferences were held with four being specifically for patients and carers and six for HCPs, with two new locations joining - Manchester and Bristol.

CPD accreditation was secured for all HCP events and in excess of 550 delegates attended across the venues with over 80 speakers supporting the packed agendas!

In June Thrombosis UK published a new patient fact sheet:
‘Thrombosis and women: periods, the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy’.
With a second fact sheet supporting hospital admission, management and discharge, due shortly.

In July Thrombosis UK exhibited at the International Society of Thrombosis & Haemostasis Congress in Dublin

Fly sheets summarising our mission, work and activities were developed and shared with delegates visiting our stand along with examples of resources sharing global messages to help raise awareness, extend understanding, support prevention and management of VTE. These proved so popular that by the last day stocks were exhausted!

The event also provided opportunity to meet with WTD leads, Thrombosis Canada and Thrombosis Ireland as well as have informal discussions with fellow exhibitors interested in the possibility of supporting the charity’s work either via shared links or possibly sponsorship of future educational meetings.

The overriding interest from HCP attendees to the stand was ‘how can we set one up in our country’. Watch this space... The Thrombosis UK tool kit is in design!

Jo Jerrome
The author

Jo Jerrome

I am the current CEO of Thrombosis UK.