Anticoagulation Service
The James Paget University Hospital Anticoagulation Service provides INR testing, monitoring and dosing advice service for patients taking Warfarin/Acenocoumarol.
Anticoagulants are medicines which help prevent blood from clotting as it would normally and therefore prevents potentially harmful blood clots in heart and blood vessels. These medications interrupt the process involved in the formation of a blood clot. Although they are sometimes referred to as ‘blood-thinning’ medicines, they don't actually make the blood thinner.
Warfarin is the most widely used monitored Anticoagulant. It usually takes a few days for this medicine to work effectively. The DOACs (Direct Oral Anticoagulants) are a different group of anticoagulants that do not need monitoring with regular blood tests. These medications work quickly, within 2 – 4 hours.
Services provided
The James Paget University Hospital Anticoagulation Service provides INR testing, monitoring and dosing advice service for patients taking Warfarin/Acenocoumarol.
- Warfarin/ Acenocoumarol dosing for patients at home, Care Homes etc.
- The team provides specialist anticoagulation advice for any inpatient at James Paget University Hospital. This includes patients that are having procedures/ operation.
- Patient counselling and support, including clinic appointments for assessment and initiation of Anticoagulation.
- Advice and guidance for patients taking Warfarin, including anticoagulation review at James Paget University Hospital Clinic or Telephone Clinic for patients experiencing difficulty maintaining good anticoagulation control.
- Liaising with GPs re compliance issues, reversal of Anticoagulation, discussion about changing the type of Anticoagulation.
- Liaising with community nurses/ Carers re INR testing, administration of Low Molecular Weight Heparin
- Clinic appointments for Low Molecular Weight Heparin Bridging for patients who are to undergo Procedures.
- Point of care testing initiation and 6 monthly follow up Clinics.
- Provide advice to Healthcare Professionals on Anticoagulation issues.
We are a Nurse Led Anticoagulation service providing Outpatient Dosing and advice Monday – Friday 0900 – 1700 hours (excluding bank holidays).
Our Inpatient Service operates Monday – Friday 0900 – 1700 hours , 0900 – 1300 hours during weekends and Bank Holidays.
Referrals to the anticoagulation clinic
Anticoagulation Service referrals must be done by a Clinician.
Outpatient referrals completed by GPs should go through the eReferral system.
Referrals from other Hospitals are to be emailed to anticoagservice@jpaget.nhs.uk
Inpatient referrals are done using the paper referrals and sent to the James Paget University Hospital Pathology Department.
Contact the Anticoagulation Service
Address; Anticoagulation Department, James Paget University Hospital, Lowestoft Road, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 6LA.
GP/Health Professional Enquiries; 01493 452452, Bleep 1473