Emergency surgery nurses can now perform a special procedure at a patient’s bedside – thanks to a new nurse-led innovation
The group of nurse practitioners at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust can carry out what is known as electrocardiogram (ECG) guided peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC).
PICC is a thin, flexible tube inserted into a vein in the upper arm and guided into a large vein above the right side of the heart – which then uses the ECG technology to improve accuracy and safety.
The vascular access service was initially set up by the emergency surgery practitioners in the surgical decisions unit at the University Hospital of North Tees, with mentorship by consultant anaesthetist Narayanan Suresh, as a programme delivering ultrasound-guided midlines across the trust.
The team has developed the service and have now expanded it to this specialist procedure.
The service’s goal is to ensure that patients from the intensive care unit being transferred to the surgical unit to be able to receive a PICC line.
The new service is being mentored by anaesthetist and SAS tutor Rahim Khan.
Reducing delays in care and improving patient experience
Fiona McEvoy, associate director of nursing, effectiveness and clinical standards, said: “This development is a significant step forward in reducing delays in care and improving patient experience.
“By performing this procedure at the bedside, we are improving patient safety, reducing infection risks, and making this the best possible experience for patients.”
Nanette Parkin, senior clinical matron for collaborative care, said: “The training the nursing team have had reflects the commitment and expertise of our nurse practitioners.
“This procedure has many benefits – a single-line insertion stops the need for multiple cannulations (small plastic tube is inserted into a vein for giving medication and treatment), improving patient comfort.
“This new technique is allowing patients to go home from hospital earlier with the line in place and continue to recover from the comfort of their home.”
Last week the team completed an intensive two-day training programme to develop their expertise in the technique.