§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures have been taken by his Department in178W the last 12 months (a) to increase awareness about and (b) to reduce the number of people who suffer from deep vein thrombosis. [127477]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonIn 2001 the Department of Health issued information and advice to the airlines and the public about minimising the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during long journeys. This included practical advice for air passengers on long haul flights. It also identified certain groups who may be at a higher risk of DVT and advised them to seek medical advice before travelling and described simple in-seat exercises that should be recommended to all air passengers.
To maximise access for the public to this information and advice it is available through health services, the internet at http://www.doh.gov.uk/dvt/, the airlines and NHS Direct and will be kept under review in the light of new research information. No further advice has been issued.
§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in England have been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [127489]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonDeep vein thrombosis is linked to older age, cancer, trauma, surgery and long periods of immobilisation, oral contraception, pregnancy and a number of conditions related to hyperactive blood clotting.
The number of admissions where primary diagnosis was phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of other deep vessels of lower extremities. in national health service hospitals in England in 2001–02 was 23,801.
Notes:
Admissions are defined as a first period of patient care under a consultant in one health care provider.
The figures do not represent the number of patients, as one person may have several admissions within the year. This is the latest year for which data are available.
The primary diagnosis is the first of seven diagnosis fields in the HES data set and provides the main reason why the patient was in hospital.
Figures have not yet been adjusted for shortfalls in data (i.e. the data are ungrossed).
Source:
Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Department of Health
§ Harry CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to reduce the number of cases of deep vein thrombosis affecting women during pregnancy. [127595]
§ Dr. LadymanIn 2001, the Department of Health issued information and advice to the airlines and the public about minimising the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during long journeys. This included practical advice for air passengers on long haul flights. It also identified certain groups, including pregnant women, who may be at a higher risk of DVT and advised them to seek medical advice before travelling and described simple in-seat exercises that should be recommended to all air passengers.
In order to maximise access for the public to this information and advice, it is available through health services, on the internet at http:///www.doh.gov.uk/dvt/, from the airlines and NHS Direct and will be kept under review in the light of new research information.
179WThe Department also produces "The Pregnancy Book" and "Birth to Five", which are given to all first time mothers by their midwife. Both books contain practical advice for pregnant women about DVT and advise them to consult their general practitioner or midwife before travelling by air.