Hospital deaths

In 2008, Scotland's Chief Medical Officer wrote to all Health Boards to address their thrombosis prevention policies, "as a matter of urgency".

More than two years on, and an estimated 6,000 deaths later, there has been no effort in Holyrood to assess and monitor Health Boards, no audit of implementation, and no education for medical staff.

The Scottish Government must act quickly to arrest the levels of tragic and preventable mortality from hospital-acquired deep vein thrombosis.

PROF BEVERLEY HUNT

Consultant in Depts of Haematology, Lupus and Pathology

DR SIMON NOBLE

Clinical Senior Lecturer, Cardiff University

KIM CARTER

Thrombosis Nurse Specialist for Portsmouth Hospitals