Anticoagulant Clinics
We run anticoagulant clinics at University Hospital Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Our anticoagulant clinics are for patients who require special medication (anticoagulants) to reduce blood clotting.
Patients who have an appointment at the clinic will have their blood tested via a finger prick using a special Coagucheck device that provides immediate results.
Specialist software (‘RAID’, used at University Hospital Lewisham, or 'DAWN', used at Queen Elizabeth Hospital) is then used to determine the correct dose of anticoagulant medication that the patient requires.
This process is managed by a team of doctors, nurses and pharmacists, who are also on hand to provide any advice that patients may need.
The team have close links to the Community Anticogulation Service, and some patients may be able to visit a clinic closer to their home rather than coming to the hospital for all their appointments.
Services available
- Initiation warfarin and related anticoagulants by a doctor, specialist nurse or pharmacist after initial counselling
- Dosing of warfarin and related anticoagulants by a specialist nurse or pharmacist
- Advice on all aspect of anticoagulation including change to other anticoagulants drugs if necessary
- Treatment of minor bleeding
- Cover (“bridging”) with low molecular weight heparins in preparation for any planned surgical procedures or in the case of significant under-dosage
- Annual review
- Telephone line for enquiries during working hours with answer phone facility
- Referral to Community Anticoagulant Services (4 visit pathway) for mobile Lewisham borough patients with atrial fibrillation and some other stable conditions
- Postal dosing service for housebound patients, whose blood is taken by a District Nurse.
How to get a referral
You can get a referral from your GP, or a hospital specialist. This can be from a specialist at Lewisham and Greenwich or another NHS Trust.
You will receive a letter inviting you for an appointment once your referral has been processed.
You will need need a referral or appointment in order to attend the clinic.
When you come to see us
Please bring your yellow Oral Anticoagulant Therapy record book with you to the appointment.
Due to space limitations, we ask that you to keep your appointment time. If you arrive too early for your appointment, you will not be seen until your assigned appointment time slot.
Please inform the healthcare professional who sees you of any changes in your health, diet or medications as part of your consultation.
If you are expecting to be notified of an appointment and do not receive it, please telephone us.
Please click on the appropriate drop-downs below for information about locations, opening times, and how to get an appointment: