Midlands Nurse Awarded For Work With Thrombosis Patients

Thursday, 13 October 2022 18:24

The Tullamore nurse was nominated by her patients and Thrombosis Ireland.

A midlands nurse has won the 'Warriors Award' for her work on Thrombosis.

Tullamore Regional Hospital's Annmarie Kirwan has been nominated by her patients and Thrombosis Ireland for her 'exceptional care and dedication to her patients.'

Figures show one in 12 Irish people will experience a blood clot in their lifetime, which can lead to Thrombosis if the clot blocks a vein or artery.

Enda Dowd from Athlone is a patient of the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore and he presented the ‘Warrior Award’ to Annmarie.

Speaking about his experience of his diagnosis he said, "I went on holidays to America April 2014 and I noticed my left leg was showing signs of swelling and discolouring so I got it checked while there but I was told it was ok. When I got home it got significantly swollen, red, hard, like concrete. I knew I had to get it checked so I went to my GP and they sent me to Tullamore Hospital and I was diagnosed with a DVT and was transferred immediately into intensive care where the blood clot in a short amount of time started to move towards my heart and by all accounts, I am very lucky to be here today."

"I have been at the Tullamore clinic ever since and they have been brilliant. I am thankful my condition is extremely stable and the team have kept a very good methodical look at it and it’s all good so far. I would appeal to anyone who suspects a clot to act fast and see a doctor, it’s no joke. Don’t take any chances with your health."

Annmarie Kirwan, Clinical Nurse Specialist from the Anticoagulation Clinic at Tullamore Hospital says, "I am delighted to receive this award from our patients and Thrombosis Ireland. This is recognition of all the work and support being provided by our team in Tullamore Hospital. Prevention and awareness is key when we dealing with blood clots. We ask our patients and wider community to know and understand the signs and symptoms and to act fast if you suspect a blood clot.

Blood clots can be very serious and need to be treated quickly. While staying healthy and active can help prevent blood clots, people should seek medical help immediately if they have one or more of the following symptoms; swelling or pain in one leg or calf with associated warmth or redness in a leg, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, chest pain, which may be worse when you breathe in, or if you have a cough and are coughing up blood."