"Intravenous Therapy Services"

I use the IV Therapy Services twice every day, it keeps me out of hospital and must same the Trust tens of thousands of pounds annually in my care alone. I believe that it costs around £400 per day bed occupancy therefore anything that keeps me at home is great for the Trust and ME.

Over time I have had regular problems with the fitting and use of canulae either for giving infusions or simply taking bloods leaving my arms (veins) quite damaged.

The IV Therapy staff firstly suggested a device called mid-line which when inserted in the clinic can last for around a month and I found this quite painless. The thoughts could be a bit scary thought. I was well reassured.

The time came earlier in this week that after more discussions and consent advice given was to change to a PICC line. A more invasive tube but as blood can normally be taken from this it means that there will be little need to have more needs. The device should last around a year or so.

It all sounded a little daunting,more so than the mid-line but when I went to the hospital site to have it done I met both a medical consultant and a familiar face from the IV Team. Most reassuring.

It's not the easiest of procedures for anyone to go through but I was supported to a degree of excellence. Where anything didn't work, they found a solution. There was little or no pain, local anaesthetic was successful. I was seen that evening in clinic and everything double checked, my general health is anything but good and I was tired after the event but everyone did everything to support me. As the next couple of days passed I am fully back in charge of my own health, thanks to the IV Therapy Team from their lead to all of the highly specialised staff I feel able to suggested to anyone That needs this team in the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre area be assured that you are safe, will be well cared for and if your health needs demand higher levels of Intravenous Therapy you will be in the right place to receive it.

The Team manage my concurrent care with heart failure matrons and consultants ensuring that nothing escapes them that they keep me as well as possible for as long as possible and importantly for me, OUT OF HOSPITAL. Hospitals are great and absolutely necessary but home is still best.

Thank you is to little a word to show appreciation.