July 19th, 2010
Lifeblood awarded Patient Association of the Year
London, 19th July 2010 - Lifeblood: The Thrombosis Charity was awarded the prestigious accolade of Patiënt Association of the Year at this year’s Communiqué Awards. Successful campaigning by Lifeblood throughout 2009 resulted in the Department of Health finally producing targets mandating DVT/PE risk-assessment for all adult patients upon admission to hospital, with prevention of hospital-acquired clots included in the National Operating Framework of the NHS.
Since its inception in 2002, Lifeblood has been tirelessly working to raise awareness of thrombosis with both the public and healthcare professionals. The 2009 ‘Stop the Clots’ campaign was the first time Lifeblood has partnered with an external PR agency to enhance the impact of its PR efforts.
Supported by Athena Medical Communications, Lifeblood’s 2009 campaign focused on raising awareness of hospital-acquired blood clots, the biggest preventable killer in UK hospitals, with 70% of deaths preventable through DVT/PE risk-assessment and treatment. The programme of events included a national bus tour and patient education campaign, designed to raise public awareness of the risks and steps to prevent hospital-acquired blood clots. In addition, political lobbying was undertaken to influence policy makers.
Communiqué judges “were completely bowled over by the dynamics of the entry - such a powerful, compelling campaign which resulted in changed NHS practice and could save thousands of lives.” They continued, it was “a great example of turning words into actions, and with serious momentum objectives.”
The 2010 Communiqué Awards were held on 8th July at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London. These highly prestigious awards recognise and commend excellence and best practice in healthcare communications.
For more information on blood clots or to support Lifeblood please visit www.thrombosis-charity.org.uk