Award-winning OUH app celebrated as 'outstanding patient resource'

Blood clot specialists at Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) have won an award in recognition of their role in the development of a free app providing information about blood clots.

Sarah Havord, venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention nurse at OUH, led the project and won in the Award for an outstanding patient resource, sharing information about VTE prevention for patients category at this year's Thrombosis UK VTE Awards (Tuesday 13 May).

Launched in 2023 in collaboration with Thrombosis UK, patients and healthcare professionals, the free Let's Talk Clots app provides information on blood clots and how to reduce the risk of developing one.

The app guides patients through their journey with blood clots, covering everything from understanding what a blood clot is, to diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and coping with the impact. It also includes specific information on blood clots related to cancer, pregnancy, and other high-risk areas.

Since its launch in November 2023, and as of March 2025, the app has been downloaded more than 5,000 times and has over 26,000 page views.

Sarah was presented the award alongside colleagues Dr Dalia Khan, Consultant Haematologist, and Gurpreet Bahra, Anticoagulation Pharmacist, at a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament.

Sarah said: “I am honoured to have won the award for outstanding patient resource. This resource is very much needed, providing free access to medically-approved information across the blood clot journey and, I believe, will help to save lives and restore lives affected by blood clots.

“Being recognised for my hard work and dedication means the world to me. I thank the healthcare specialists and patients who were also involved in the development of the app - it really wouldn't have been possible without all those involved.

“Please do download this app and share it with others."

OUH links to the app via discharge letters, waiting area screens, on the internal intranet site, and on all blood clot related materials.

Example text for letters, postcards and posters advertising the app have been offered to other UK medical centres, and the app was approved by NHS Scotland for use across all their healthcare settings in 2024.

Professor Andrew Brent, Chief Medical Officer at OUH, said: “Sarah and her team's dedication and innovation in developing the Let's Talk Clots app have made a significant impact on patient care and education.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and the positive difference she and her team is making. Congratulations to Sarah and all those involved on this well-deserved recognition.”

The Let’s Talk Clots app is available for download via the App Store and Google Play.

Pictured: Sarah Havord (VTE Prevention Specialist Nurse Practitioner, middle) with Dr Dalia Khan (Consultant Haematologist, left) and Gurpreet Bahra (Anticoagulation Pharmacist, right)