Royal Stoke University Hospital Wins Prestigious National Award for Innovation in Thrombosis Prevention

University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) is proud to announce that it has been named the winner in the category of Quality Improvement Programme that Advances Practice in Thrombosis Prevention or Management at the 2025 national VTE Awards. 

The awards ceremony, hosted by Thrombosis UK and sponsored by Sarah Green MP, took place at the House of Commons on 13 May 2025.

This national recognition highlights the Trust’s commitment to patient safety and clinical excellence through an innovative approach to thrombosis prevention—an area that remains one of the leading causes of hospital-related deaths and long-term disability.

VTE, or venous thromboembolism, includes both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and is responsible for approximately 50 per cent of all blood clot cases associated with hospital admissions due to illness or surgery.

Recognising the significant risk of VTE in immobile stroke patients—particularly those unable to tolerate the standard mechanical prophylaxis (MP) method of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC)—Professor Natarajan, Consultant Stroke Physician at Royal Stoke University Hospital, led a pioneering quality improvement (QI) initiative. 

The study evaluated the use of a neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) device as an alternative prophylactic intervention. During the study period, no adverse events or VTE cases were reported among patients using the NMES device.

The strength and impact of this work has led to the launch of a randomised controlled trial to further investigate whether NMES devices could surpass IPC in effectiveness for preventing post-stroke VTE.

Judges praised the project as “a robust, well-written application, demonstrating an extensive QI project run over several years that evidenced benefit and improved outcome in an area of care where there was a gap and need.”

Professor Natarajan said:  "This award is a testament to our team’s dedication to continuously improving patient care through evidence-based innovation. Stroke patients are at exceptionally high risk of VTE, and we are proud to be leading efforts to find safer and more effective preventive solutions for this vulnerable group."

Royal Stoke remains committed to leading the way in thrombosis prevention and will continue to work closely with research partners, clinicians, and patient advocacy groups to advance this critical area of care.

For further information or assistance please contact the UHNM Communications Team on communications@uhnm.nhs.uk/ 01782 76644.