Help reduce the pain and stress many patients experience when having an IV line inserted.
Many of us know someone with difficult-to-access veins who has experienced the traumatic process of having an IV line inserted during treatment.
Ultrasound-guided IV access can dramatically improve the cannulation experience for these patients, who too often experience multiple painful attempts before a vein is successfully located.
That’s why Well Foundation is asking for your support to help fund six new ultrasound machines that will be especially beneficial for patients with hard-to-locate veins including children, older patients and cancer patients.
The new ultrasound machines will equip doctors, nurses and midwives who have been undergoing training in your local hospital to locate veins more quickly and accurately.
You can help clinicians deliver faster, safer and less painful care
What is the initiative?
Currently, patients with difficult-to-find veins can experience long waits for a specialist clinician and an ultrasound machine to become available before treatment can begin. The training initiative and the new ultrasound machines will help reduce delays, minimise repeated painful attempts and improve the patient experience.
What training are clinicians receiving?
The hospital-funded ultrasound-guided intravenous access initiative trains doctors, nurses and midwives to use portable ultrasound technology to locate difficult veins more quickly and accurately. To date, 10 courses have trained 125 medical professionals, including 82 doctors and 43 nurses and midwives.
What equipment is still needed?
It’s essential that newly trained staff have access to an ultrasound machine whenever one is needed to help patients experience the very best care. That’s why Well Foundation is seeking community support to raise funds for six portable ultrasound machines to supplement the three existing machines.
How can you help?
Funding has already been secured for one machine. Your support can help fund the remaining five machines. To find out more about how you can help, please contact Heidi Wilde, Director of Fundraising, Partnerships & Communications at Well Foundation at heidi@wellfoundation.org.nz.