Committed to excellence in venous thromboembolism care through collaboration
The VTE network celebrates excellence through collaboration and brings together the National VTE Exemplar Centres Network (VTEECN) and the VTE Specialists Network (VSN).
Quite simply, VTE prevention saves lives.
For this reason, VTE prevention is a top patient safety priority for NHS England. VTE has a fatality rate of ~10% and a long term complication rate of 30-50%[1]. Chronic complications include post thrombotic syndrome, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, recurrent VTE as well as detrimental effects on quality of life and general well-being. Half of all VTEs diagnosed are associated with a hospital admission[2].
Introduction of a comprehensive VTE prevention strategy throughout England has resulted in a reduction in the number of; hospital associated thrombosis cases[3], hospital readmissions secondary to VTE[4] and PE related deaths[5].
- Stuck AK, Spirk D, Schaudt J, Kucher N. Risk assessment models for venous thromboembolism in acutely ill medical patients. A systematic review. Thromb Haemost 2017;117:801-8. doi: 10.1160/TH16-08-0631 pmid: 28150851
- Heit JA, O’Fallon WM, Petterson TM, etal. Relative impact of risk factors for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: a population-based study. Arch Intern Med 2002;162:1245-8. doi: 10.1001/archinte.162.11.1245 pmid: 12038942
- Roberts LN, Porter G, Barker RD, Yorke R, Bonner L, Patel RK, Arya R. Comprehensive VTE prevention program incorporating mandatory risk assessment reduces the incidence of hospital-associated thrombosis. Chest. 2013 Oct;144(4):1276-1281. doi: 10.1378/chest.13-0267. PMID: 23681495.
- Catterick D, Hunt BJ. Impact of the national venous thromboembolism risk assessment tool in secondary care in England: retrospective population-based database study. Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis. 2014 Sep;25(6):571-6. doi: 10.1097/MBC.0000000000000100. PMID: 24686103; PMCID: PMC4162339.
- NHS Digital 2021 1 Deaths from venous thromboembolism (VTE) related events within 90 days post discharge from hospital – NHS Digital
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.
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.
Member centres include both public and private sector organisations, large teaching hospital trusts, specialist centres and district general hospitals throughout England and Wales. The network is currently led by Professor Roopen Arya, Director VTE Exemplar Centres and Emma Gee, Associate Director VTE Exemplar Centres.
Exemplar Centres in Action
VTE Exemplar Centres have to provide evidence that they meet the highest standards in VTE prevention and provide leadership and innovation in the field. We are pleased to showcase these stories from talented Exemplar Centre clinicians from who share their organisation’s journey to providing gold standard VTE prevention care and inspire others to do the same.
