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Deep Vein Thrombosis
Question Time — Scottish Executive — Health and Wellbeing
2:15 pm
Bill Aitken (Conservative)
To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is currently implementing to ensure that more people are aware of the risks of deep vein thrombosis. (S3O-3481)
Nicola Sturgeon (Scottish National Party)
The Scottish Government has funded the charity Lifeblood to develop a general information leaflet on deep vein thrombosis. It was sent to every GP practice in Scotland in April, together with a covering letter from the chief medical officer and the chairman of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland drawing attention to the importance of displaying the leaflet.
Bill Aitken (Conservative)
The cabinet secretary is no doubt aware that thrombophilia is caused by a gene that is carried by some people and which makes them more vulnerable to an attack of DVT. Is thrombophilia screening available to those who request it, or to those who are at a higher risk of carrying the gene?
Nicola Sturgeon (Scottish National Party)
Bill Aitken will know that the Scottish Government follows the advice that the United Kingdom national screening committee offers on screening programmes. The committee does not currently recommend population screening. However, it is common in Scotland for relatives of people who have the factor V Leiden—the genetic abnormality that can cause DVT—to be offered screening and given appropriate advice. A range of advice would be offered to people considered to be at risk.
Nicola Sturgeon (Scottish National Party)
Given his professional background, Ian McKee will know of the existence of the Scottish intercollegiate guidelines network guideline 62, which offers guidance that covers people admitted to hospital for serious trauma, for surgery or for acute illness. Aspects of the guidelines are currently under review, but the protocols that are in place for dealing with patients in those categories reflect the guidance in guideline 62. NHS Quality Improvement Scotland has done a stocktake on that already and it will conduct a follow-up exercise with NHS boards.