STAFF at a Newport hospital launched a campaign last week to raise awareness of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Theatre staff from the Royal Gwent Hospital wanted to inform the public about the risks associated with DVT, which is a clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg.

They gave out information to patients and visitors on a number of wards and one member of staff was even dressed in a blood clot costume.

Most DVT can be prevented with some simple exercises, leg stockings and some daily doses of blood thinners.

Medical Director of Lifeblood in Wales, Dr Simon Noble, said it is vital all patients going into hospital ask to be risk-assessed for DVT.

The launch on Thursday of the All Wales DVT Risk Assessment Tool at the end of the year will ensure patients receive the same level of DVT prevention wherever they are treated.

Further information can be found at www.thrombosis-charity.org.uk