Question reference: S5W-35490
- Asked by: Brian Whittle, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 25 February 2021
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 4 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support primary care in the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) for those at risk in the community.
Answer
We recognise that supporting people to remain physically active and keep mobile can reduce the incidence of both venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism. Being physically active is particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic as this not only has significant benefits for our physical health but also our mental health.
Evidence based local pathways have been developed to support standard assessment and timely referral for appropriate investigations of venuous thromboembolism, with quick scan response times.
The pathways also support the need for ongoing follow up, or further investigation where clinically appropriate. This is supported by pharmacy teams to allow rapid access to anticoagulants and new oral anticoagulants in the community to reduce the need of regular INR blood monitoring.