Free consultation leads to diagnosis of vein disease

A special open day held at a new Clifton clinic has led to 28 patients being diagnosed with underlying vein conditions.

The Whiteley Clinic, which has just opened within Litfield House in Clifton, Bristol, held a free consultation event for anyone concerned about varicose veins and other venous diseases.

The event was attended by 36 people who each received a complimentary 10-minute one to one session, which included advice and a state-of-the-art ultrasound scan used to detect underlying causes of varicose veins.

Expert consultants at the clinic, which specialises in procedures for venous conditions, found that 28 patients displayed underlying symptoms of venous disease, with some of them being far more serious than they had realised.

Mr Mike Rocker, consultant vascular surgeon at The Whiteley Clinic said: “Having opened the new Bristol clinic in April we’re thrilled we were able to offer advice to people in the area concerned about different kinds of vein conditions.

“Professor Mark Whiteley, a world-leading surgeon, was able to talk guests through the different techniques available to treat varicose veins, venous disease and leg ulcers. We are really keen to educate people on the help there is available for this and other associated conditions.

“Varicose veins can be very nasty and cause throbbing, swelling and itching in many cases. Complications from varicose veins can also lead to leg ulcers which are extremely unpleasant for patients.

“We also want to make people aware that superficial thread veins are an indicator of varicose veins and can turn into something much more uncomfortable so it’s best to get them looked at as early as possible.

“Having spotted 28 cases of underlying venous disease early the patients are now in a better position to seek further help and address the issue. Each patient will receive a written summary of their consultation and where applicable their ultrasound scan results.

“We’re really pleased with the turn-out for our first open day so we’re planning a new event for 7th February next year.”

The Whiteley Clinic is based at the Litfield House Medical Centre in Clifton and will provide vein expertise to patients from across the South West.

Run by Bristol born vein expert Professor Mark Whiteley, who is a world leader in the treatment of varicose veins, the clinic is the third of its kind in the UK, with other clinics in London and Guildford.

Professor Whiteley was the first consultant surgeon to introduce minimally invasive varicose vein surgery techniques in the United Kingdom. Chief vascular technologist Judy Holdstock, who assisted in the first operation, is among the specialists working in Bristol and will be one of the consultants offering advice at the open day.