MORE than 1,600 Warrington patients who take the blood thinning medication warfarin no longer need to travel to hospital for treatment.
A highly successful pilot programme of community anti-coagulant clinics is to be rolled out by NHS Warrington.
Two special warfarin clinics were launched in September last year, after feedback from local GP Practices revealed that many patients were unhappy at having to travel to hospital for simple procedures. Hospital parking was often difficult and high numbers of people attending clinics meant that visits were time consuming as patients had to wait to be seen.
Patients who take long-term anti-coagulation drugs must be closely monitored, which means that their blood and medication must be checked regularly by a pharmacist and for many patients this meant weekly trips to the hospital clinic.
Grappenhall and Westbrook were chosen as the two preferred locations where the new service could be piloted.
The pilots proved so successful more clinics have been rolled out to Birchwood, Penketh and Stockton Heath and a further two are planned for later in the year at Guardian Street and Orford.
Sarah Baker, director of commissioning for NHS Warrington said: “A key challenge for the NHS is ensuring that patients are involved in the design of local services.
“We listened to what our patients wanted and have delivered a service that best fits their needs. We’re extremely pleased with how successful the clinics have been and this highlights just what can be achieved when we work in partnership. We intend to keep listening to what patients want and working with the hospital and GPs to ensure that more people in Warrington are able to receive the care they need closer to home.”
