Australians to gain new hub for thrombosis and its prevention
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Australians are set to benefit from a central resource ‘hub’ of authoritative information to increase awareness and understanding of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and stroke, and improve their prevention, early detection and management.
The new Thrombosis Australia website, an initiative of Perth Blood Institute, launches on Tuesday 10 November 2020 and will provide evidence-based medical and lifestyle support for individuals affected by thrombosis, their families and the wider community.
The website will also offer resources to health professionals, providing them with the opportunity to connect and exchange knowledge, as well as gain the latest medical literature on thrombosis and other related conditions.
The brainchild of haematologist Professor Ross Baker, Chair of the not-for-profit Perth Blood Institute who has been treating patients with thrombosis for over 25 years, Thrombosis Australia will provide information about blood clots (thrombosis), which are responsible for Australia’s top three cardiovascular killers: stroke, heart attack and Venous Thromboembolism (VTE).
Professor Baker, Founder of Thrombosis Australia and Consultant Haematologist, says Perth Blood Institute has worked tirelessly over the past 18 months to develop the website for the Australian community.
“Thrombosis carries a heavy burden in this country with 30,000 people developing thrombosis every year. On top of that, Australians suffer one stroke every 10 minutes, and an average 21 Australians die from heart attack each day,” Professor Baker says. “However, the good news is that up to 70 per cent of blood clots are preventable and most of the risk factors are modifiable, which is where our new website is set to be invaluable.
“It will educate the community on risk factors and early detection signs and symptoms, as well as provide a platform for patients to connect with each other, tell their stories and gain access to information such as fact sheets and videos,” he said.
A number of Thrombosis Australia ambassadors have also been appointed, amongst them Australian basketballer Andrew Gaze, doctor and broadcaster Dr Sally Cockburn and media personality Christina Morrissy – all of whom have experienced thrombosis.
Thrombosis Australia has been founded by Perth Blood Institute, a charitable, not-for-profit, haematological research institute. Based in West Perth, the organisation undertakes research into blood-related disorders, delivers blood related clinical trials and provides an education service to the community and professionals on blood conditions.
Pearl Dy is a community manager and journalist. She is passionate about business and development particularly involving not-for-profits, charity and social entrepreneurship.
