HMR Anticoagulation service provides a comprehensive monitoring service for all patients within Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale who are prescribed the drug Warfarin. We provide 15 clinics every week, both in the hospital and the community. A home visit service is available for housebound patients, and we can assist people who wish to monitor their own medication.
You may be referred to the Anticoagulant service if your doctor wants you to take an anticoagulant drug called Warfarin. This may be because you have a blood clot (Deep Vein Thrombosis) or an irregular heart beat (Atrial Fibrillation).
Your Warfarin will be prescribed by the Specialist Nurses, and monitored by the team. You will have your blood checked using near patient testing (thumb prick) at each appointment. This will determine how much Warfarin you will be told to take, and for how long. You will then be given a follow up appointment. You may decide to attend whichever clinic you prefer.
If you are required to stop your Warfarin for any reason, the Anticoagulant team will arrange the safest way for you to do this.
Your first appointment will usually be at Rochdale Infirmary. This is because it can take up to 30 minutes. When attending your first appointment, please make sure you bring a list of current medication, and write down any questions you may want to ask the nurse regarding your treatment. You will be given a yellow Anticoagulant pack containing information for your condition, an alert card to carry with you and a record booklet.
Your INR blood test will be checked and you will be issued with a prescription for Warfarin.
Once your INR is stable, you will be able to attend any of the community clinics.
Anticoagulant office, Suite 6 OPD, Rochdale Infirmary
Referrals can be made by your GP or Consultant and emailed directly. All referrals should include a minimum of:
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Anticoagulant reason
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Duration of treatment
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Target INR and INR range
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Recent medical history
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Current medication
Referrals must be signed and dated by the referring clinician.