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"Poor experience of cannula insertion and blood test"

About: The Ulster Hospital / Emergency Department

(as the patient),

A HCA inserted a cannula into my arm to take a blood test. I informed them that I was anxious about needles and that I would close my eyes. I felt the needle go into my arm and then I heard the bottle cap being taken off. Suddenly the HCA started swearing loudly and said "oh shit, oh shit, oh shit". I asked what was happening and opened my eyes and saw blood pouring out everywhere. The HCA told me not to worry and that they would clean me up. They told me that this has never happened before. They obtained my blood but then I felt pain. They started to move the cannula in and out as they appeared to have difficulty keeping it in. I told them that it was hurting me. They put the bandage on to hold it in place and then wiped my trousers clean with a wipe. I experienced severe pain for the rest of the night while the cannula remained in my arm.

A junior doctor removed the cannula when I was discharged from a&e and this was a much better experience.  The next day I experienced more pain in my arm and noticed significant bruising to my arm. This incident happened in early February in the emergency department Ulster hospital. It has been nearly a week since this incident and my arm is very sore, damaged and bruised. This has never happened to me before . I feel that this HCA needs more training as I would not anyone else to experience what I went through

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Responses

Response from Leanne Wilson, Interim Lead Nurse, Unscheduled Care, South Eastern HSC Trust 4 months ago
Leanne Wilson
Interim Lead Nurse, Unscheduled Care,
South Eastern HSC Trust
Submitted on 14/02/2025 at 15:13
Published on Care Opinion at 15:13


Dear Blackbird21@

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience of having a cannula inserted and bloods taken when attending the Ulster Emergency Department in early February. I'm very sorry to hear about the pain and bruising you have experienced, and appreciate that given your anxiety about needles this must have been an even more distressing time for you.

The situation you described, including the language used, does not reflect the standard of care and professionalism we expect and I would like to sincerely apologise for this. If you would like me to investigate this further please contact the SET Complaints department -

Telephone 028 9056 1427

Email complaints@setrust.hscni.net

Additionally if your pain and bruising does not settle or you feel you need further medical attention please do not hesitate to return to our Minor Injury Unit or seek further care.

Kind Regards,

Leanne.

Interim Lead Nurse UHD ED.

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