Anticoagulant Clinic Protocol for the Referral of Patients
For Patients newly commenced on Anticoagulant Therapy on this admission
- Complete a yellow Anticoagulant Clinic Referral Form in full (supplies available on each ward). Information supplied on this form is essential for the Anticoagulant Clinic to assume responsibility for a patient’s anticoagulant control. We regret that incomplete forms will not be accepted. An NHS number is mandatory.
- Phone the Clinic on Ext. 7691/8237 to arrange a first referral appointment to see the Anticoagulant Clinic Nurse for counselling and follow up. NB – If the patient is discharged out of hours, ensure the Clinic is contacted the following morning.
- Fill in the agreed appointment time on the referral form and fax it to Ext. 8374 as soon as possible. Send the original to the Clinic in the internal mail to reach us before the patient’s first out patient visit.
- Issue the patient with 1mg, 3mg and 5mg strengths of anticoagulants, a completed yellow anticoagulant discharge card and an information leaflet. (Further supplies available by contacting Ext. 7691).
- It is ESSENTIAL that the discharging doctor completes the yellow discharge card with CLEAR documentation of the dose to be taken by the patient until review in the Anticoagulant Clinic. Do not use pathology request forms.
For Patients already on Anticoagulant Therapy prior to this admission
Because these patients are already registered with us at the Anticoagulant Clinic, they do not need an appointment to see the Clinic Nurse, unless complications have arisen relating to their anticoagulant control that led to their admission.
- Complete a yellow Anticoagulant Clinic Referral Form so that we can update our patient records with the doses given on the ward, the reason for admission and any changes in medication that have occurred.
- Fax the form to Ext. 8374 and send the original in the internal post to reach us before the patient’s next planned blood test.
- Advise the patient of a dose for discharge and when their next blood test is due by completing a yellow anticoagulant discharge card. The patient can go to their GP surgery for the INR blood test. They need not attend the Clinic at the RBH for an INR blood test.
Patients to be discharged to other hospitals in the West Berks area, eg. West Berks Community Hospital, Oakwood, Prospect Place, Wokingham
These hospitals do not have medical staff available to dose the patient on the ward, they rely on the Anticoagulant Clinic for advice. Therefore, complete a yellow Anticoagulant Clinic Referral Form and fax it to Ext. 8374 as soon as possible.
Inform the admitting ward at the hospital when to perform another INR blood test and ensure a dose is written up till then.
Discharge Summary Check List
- Appointment made with Anticoagulant Clinic.
- Yellow referral form completed fully by medical staff and faxed to the Clinic on Ext. 8374, then put in internal post.
- Patient issued with yellow Anticoagulant discharge card and information leaflet.
- Patient knows dose of Anticoagulant to take when leaves hospital.
- Patient knows when to have next INR blood test/ appointment with Clinic.
- Patient issued with a supply of anticoagulants (1mg, 3mg and 5mg).
- Patient issued with a supply of Low Molecular Weight Heparin Injections if required.
- Arrange hospital transport for AC Clinic appointment if required.
Notes
- The Anticoagulant Clinic assumes the responsibility for the anticoagulant control for patients in the West Berks catchment area only. If the patient lives in Slough for example, they may need referring to Wexham Park AC Clinic.
- If you are unsure, please discuss with us in the Clinic. If you require any help or advice regarding Anticoagulants or this protocol please contact us on Ext.7691 where we will be happy to help.
- Our Anticoagulant Nurses are available for advice on Ext 7450 an Ext 7366 Monday – Friday 9am to 5.30pm.
Click here to view and print the anticoagulant referral form.