Concern has been expressed about the impact on patients of the HSE's decision to close the Kilrush warfarin clinic.
Warfarin is given to patients who are at risk of developing blood clots.
Dosage must be tailored to each person's needs and those who take it need to attend warfarin clinics or a GP once every six to eight weeks.
It's now being phased out, though, by newer drugs which remove the need for regular blood monitoring.
Around 200 patients who had been attending a warfarin clinic in Ennis have now been transferred onto the newer medicines, and a review of those attending the Kilruish clinic is underway.
However, because less people will soon require warfarin, the clinic there is closing down on a phased basis.
The HSE insists this is in line with best practice, but those who are deemed unsuitable for the new drugs will now have to go to a GP only, or travel to the Ennis clinics instead.
It's not known how many people are affected, but local representatives say they're concerned at the additional costs involved.
A HSE spokesperson has issued the following statement to local representatives:
“I wish to clarify that there has been significant developments for patients who are required to take oral warfarin for a medical condition. New oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have emerged as an alternative to warfarin and are very promising in many regards as they remove the need for regular blood monitoring and are shown to have an improved efficacy and safety ratio.
Before prescribing a NOAC for a patient it is necessary for them to be reviewed by a senior clinical decision maker who considers the clinical profile of the patient, co-medications, choice of medication and after discussion with the patient the different options available to them. This review process commenced with patients attending warfarin clinics at Ennis Hospital and has been underway over the last six months. A number of patients (200 approx) have successfully commenced on these new oral anticoagulants. We have now commenced reviewing patients attending the Kilrush Warfarin Clinic.
Patients who are attending the Kilrush Warfarin Clinic who are deemed unsuitable for NOAC and must continue on warfarin will be given the option to attend either their local GP or Ennis Hospital Warfarin Clinic. Due to the expected significant reduction in the number of patients requiring warfarin and in line with best practice the Kilrush Warfarin Clinic will be closed on a phased basis. Two additional clinics have been opened in Ennis to accommodate patients across the week.
However, please note on average patients receiving warfarin for a prolonged period are required to attend a warfarin clinic or a General Practitioner once every six to eight weeks depending on their blood results.
