Why VTE prevention matters
VTE prevention saves lives. It is a top patient safety priority for NHS England.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) carries a fatality rate of approximately 10% and a long-term complication rate of 30–50% [1]. Notably, half of all VTE cases diagnosed are associated with a hospital admission [2].
​The introduction of a comprehensive VTE prevention strategy throughout England has led to a significant reduction in hospital-associated thrombosis cases, hospital readmissions due to VTE, and pulmonary embolism-related deaths. Since the launch of the national VTE prevention program in 2010, there has been a 16.2% decrease in post-discharge deaths related to VTE [3].
United Kingdom
The National VTE Exemplar Centre Network was established in 2007 by the Department of Health with the aim of using network leadership to reduce avoidable death and disability from hospital-associated VTE. We are very proud that the Network remains a leading light in VTE prevention and continues to inspire organisations to achieve excellence in the field.
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VTE Exemplar Centres form a diverse and enlightened network of hospitals that have a track record of excellence in VTE prevention, offer practical support and advice to other centres, and collaborate on clinical research into VTE prevention.​
The VTE Specialists Network (VSN) is a dynamic, supportive group of over 100 nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals who are passionate about thrombosis and anticoagulation care.
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We are a community of healthcare professionals that provide support to each other through sharing of expertise and resources to promote consistent, high quality patient care.