Introduction Since the introduction of a venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment tool in 2011 there has been an increase in the workload of the combined Obstetric-Haematology clinic. In view of this increase a retrospective review of the size and composition of clinics during the first 12 weeks of 2011 and 2012 was carried out.

Method Clinic lists for the relevant weeks were obtained and the letters reviewed. New referrals were categorised as VTE risk assessment or other. The type of clinic and number of antenatal visits was obtained from the patient activity summary.

Results The total number of new referrals to the clinic increased by 51.4% when the first 12 weeks of 2011 and 2012 were compared. The number of referrals for VTE risk increased by 40%.

51.4% (18/35) of the VTE risk assessment new referrals made in 2012 were women with a family history of VTE, compared with 16% (4/25) in 2011. In 2012 of the women referred for a family history of VTE 61.1% (11/18) were reviewed at one further follow up appointment in the combined clinic.

Conclusions The introduction of the VTE risk assessment tool has contributed to the increase in new referrals. Many of the women reviewed do not require further Consultant input and may be suitable for review by a Specialist Midwife. The development of a Specialist Midwife role may increase Consultant clinic capacity and provide midwifery input for women who are reviewed frequently and may miss out on holistic care from their community Midwife.