A CAMPAIGN has been launched to help put a stop to hospital-acquired blood clots – the largest cause of preventable death in the UK. According to charity AntiCoagulation Europe, an estimated 559 people in Hertfordshire die from hospital-acquired blood clo

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to help put a stop to hospital-acquired blood clots - the largest cause of preventable death in the UK.

According to charity AntiCoagulation Europe, an estimated 559 people in Hertfordshire die from hospital-acquired blood clots every year.

A lifesaving campaign called Stop the Clot has been launched by the charity, which aims to raise awareness of the dangers and encourage patients to request a blood clot risk assessment.

A spokesman for Lister Hospital in Stevenage said not all patients are automatically given this risk assessment - it is dependent on an individual's circumstances. A young, short-stay patient, for instance, would not be risk assessed.

But AntiCoagulation Europe says this goes against Government recommendations that all patients admitted to hospital are risk assessed for blood clots.

Barbara Follett, MP for Stevenage, said: "I urge all my constituents to learn about the risk factors and symptoms of blood clots when they, or a loved one, go into hospital.

"It is shocking that a preventable condition takes so many lives and I fully support the Stop the Clot campaign to raise patient awareness."

Eve Knight, chief executive of AntiCoagulation Europe, said: "Very few people are aware that their risk of blood clots should be assessed when they are admitted to hospital.

"If you, or someone you know, is planning for a hospital visit soon, make sure one of the first things you do is ask the ward doctor or nurse for a blood clot risk assessment."

For more information about the campaign, visit www.stoptheclot.com or call the free information line on 0800 694 6444.

AntiCoagulation Europe's top tips to avoid getting a blood clot in hospital:

Know your risk

When you or a loved one goes into hospital, ask for a blood clot risk assessment.

Drink lots of fluids

Drink at least a glass of water every hour or two litres each day. If you are unable to drink fluids by mouth, or have been told to limit how much you can drink, ask staff for advice.

Keep mobile

Walk around the ward as much as you can and don't cross your legs in bed. If you are unable to get out of bed try flexing your feet upwards at regular intervals to keep the blood flowing in your legs.

Know if your risk has changed

Ask for a blood clot assessment test to be repeated by a doctor or nurse every 2-3 days of your stay in hospital.