The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust is leading the way in Northern Ireland by becoming the first Cardiology based Nurse-led Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) service across all specialties of care, with the exception of Paediatrics. This unique service currently in the Ulster Hospital, offers patients more accessible care by allowing Specialist Nurses to place PICC lines at the patient’s bedside, without the need for interventional radiology.
Previously, PICC services were provided in Interventional Radiology, where Consultants would insert the lines under x-ray guidance. Now, with the introduction of a specialised 3CG machine, Specialist Nurses can insert the lines directly at the patient’s bedside, ensuring accurate placement and reducing the need for radiation exposure. While some lines are still placed in the Cath Lab, the majority are now performed at the bedside, providing greater convenience and comfort for patients.
The Nurse-Led service is available Monday to Friday, with two dedicated Specialist PICC Nurses.
By placing PICC lines at the bedside, the service aims to improve patient waiting times, reduce unnecessary costs and accelerate patient discharge, ultimately helping to free up hospital beds and improve patient flow.
Cardiology Sister Andrea Moore highlighted the significant improvements in patient care since the service was introduced, stating, “When COVID came along, there was a huge delay in placing PICCs, sometimes up to two weeks. This delayed treatment and discharge caused stress for patients who had to undergo multiple attempts at venous access. It was a burden for both patients and care teams.
“In the last year alone, we have placed 239 PICC lines. This service has improved the patient experience by facilitating earlier discharges, preventing readmissions and ensuring quicker treatment. It is also more cost-effective.”
PICC Nurse Specialist, Nicola McGowan emphasised the significance of this service, saying, “While there are some Nurse-led PICC Teams in the Trust focused on Oncology, we are the first team to cover all specialties. We now cover all wards throughout the Ulster Hospital, with the exception of Paediatrics and we have recently expanded to include Outpatients.
“Looking ahead, we hope to extend the service to Lagan Valley Hospital and the Downe Hospital, which will reduce the need for ambulance transfers. With the increasing pressure on the Ambulance Service, any way we can help alleviate that burden will be hugely beneficial.”
Andrea added, “The patients are delighted to receive their PICCs promptly. It is a real privilege to do our job and to place PICCS because you make such a difference to patients every day. Patients are seeing the benefits of placing PICCs at bedside, as it is a much more relaxed atmosphere.
The introduction of the Nurse-led PICC Service in the South Eastern Trust represents a significant step forward in improving patient care and reducing delays, ensuring that patients receive the best possible treatment in the most efficient way.
