"I matter to the CTAC Team and the CTAC Team matter to me!"

I first had a P.I.C.C. (Periphally Inserted Centralised Catheter) in 2013.

Following discharge from Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, the Care of my Centralised Line was/continued to be shared by myself and the support of the now CTAC Nurses.

(Prior to the formation of CTAC, it was the team of Treatment Room Nurses who supported me.)

With the dawning of CTAC, came an increased number of caring Nurse professionals to tend to the weekly cleaning and dressing of my Line.

I have always been carefully listened to. Precise care and attention is always paid to the sterile, aseptic procedure required when dealing with a Centralised Line.

This is now my third P.I.C.C. Line which is essential for ongoing  Intravenous Access. I attend our Clinical Investigation Unit at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, every 4 weeks. I receive a concentrated dose of Potassium Chloride with Sodium Chloride intravenously  through my Line. This helps maintain safe levels of Potassium. I suffer from Tubular Necrosis of my remaining sole Right Kidney. I sometimes also need Intravenous Iron and Antibiotics.

Although caring for my Line was initially daunting as a lone, vulnerable person in the Community, the Treatment Room Nurses followed by the very much increased number of Nurses through CTAC, soon lessened any fears and concerns.

Each of my nurses from CTAC ensure that I have weekly appointments to suit, allocating appropriate time for the careful cleaning and redressing of my Line. They also ensure that there are sufficient supplies of the recommended dressings. I, in turn, make sure I collect what I need from our C.I.U.

Without exception  each new member of CTAC is given the opportunity to shadow an experienced CTAC Nurse. I am usually also invited to share the medical condition relating to why I need a P.I.C.C. Line.

I firmly believe that the introduction of CTAC has  improved the services needed to look after and better keep safe people in the Community. The ratio of number of patients to Treating Nurses does not appear to be as overwhelming. Please do not misunderstand. I have always been given the time and support needed by our Treatment Room Nurses. It would  seem that the ever increasing demands of our Community are being better met.

I actually look forward to my weekly outing to see (and be treated by) our local CTAC Team at the Minor Injuries Unit within St Andrews Community Hospital, St Andrews, Fife. 

Everyone cares and takes to heart not just the health but also  the wellbeing of every patient. I matter to the CTAC Team and the CTAC  Team matter to me!

Thank you!