2k Londonderry folks will benefit from blood-clot campaign

A new campaign by the AntiCoagulation Self-Monitoring Alliance (ACSMA) is aimed at giving long-term warfarin patients greater choice in the management of their condition - including more than 2,100 adults and children in Londonderry who are receiving the treatment to prevent blood clotting.

The alliance is also seeking to raise awareness of the benefits of self-monitoring and aims to ensure that patients are equipped to have informed discussions with their healthcare professionals on this topic.

Mr Durkan said: “I am pleased to lend my support to this important campaign - not least because there are more than 2,100 adults and children in Derry receiving warfarin treatment.

“Allowing them the option to self-monitor could make a huge difference to their lives, minimising the disruption and inconvenience, as well as saving time and money.

“For patients on long-term warfarin treatment, being able to self-monitor their clotting levels and adjust their dose allows the individual to have better control over their life, and enjoy greater freedom and independence.

“We should be encouraging the NHS to make innovative technologies like self-monitoring equipment available to suitable patients based on need, not ability to pay.

“Managing care at home is convenient for patients and has the potential to improve health outcomes as well as save the NHS money.”