Two specialist medical therapists from the RUH have been chosen to write an information leaflet for people recovering from a blood clot, which is being distributed to patients across the country.
Regitse Lewis and Chrissie Entwistle were approached by national charity Thrombosis UK to author the leaflet after the charity heard about the work they were doing at the RUH to encourage patients who had experienced a blood clot to exercise.
The leaflet, titled Getting Active After a Blood Clot, explains why exercise is so important to help recovery and includes examples of ways to keep fit, such as setting up a walking programme and resistance training.
The leaflets are already available in departments throughout the RUH and can be supplied to hospitals across the UK on request.
Regitse said: “We delivered a presentation at a Thrombosis UK masterclass and spoke at Thrombosis Ireland’s patient conference about the work we’d been doing at the RUH to get patients exercising after a blood clot.
“Thrombosis UK got in touch and asked us whether we would provide the content for the leaflet. It’s a real honour to have written such an important patient information leaflet, especially as it is available nationally. It reflects very well on the RUH and the work we’ve been doing here.”
The pair were instrumental in setting up a new exercise programme called Progress, aimed specifically at patients recovering from a blood clot in the lungs or the limbs.
The 10-week programme combines cardiovascular exercises with resistance training in hour-long exercise sessions using the RNHRD and Brownsword Therapies Centre gym.
Chrissie said: “The programme has been so well received, by both patients and staff. It’s all about supporting people back to health and it’s had a very positive effect – encouraging patients to exercise more as well as reducing their anxiety about exercising.
“It has had a really positive impact on patients’ physical health and quality of life too, helping them to return to work more quickly.”
