[ Insert date ]
New campaign to reduce infections through
improved use of catheters and cannulas
[ Insert name of organisation ] is supporting a new campaign to improve the safety of patient care through better use of catheters and cannulas.
Patients with these devices are at risk of infection if they aren’t applied or used correctly.
Frontline staff are being asked to S.T.O.P. and assess whether the patient they are caring for needs a device and if one is in place to question whether it’s still needed or could be removed.
S.T.O.P. prompts staff to Stop and ask is the device really needed? It encourages them to Think and give the necessary attention to detail, to focus on Options and consider whether there are alternatives. This will Prevent healthcare associated infections by ensuring the use and maintenance of them is as safe as possible.
[ Insert Nursing/Medical Director name ], said, “There are always going to be times when the insertion of a cannula or catheter is the best course of action for patients. They can be an important part of treatment, but they can sometimes be used when they aren’t needed and can cause complications if left in for too long.
“By reducing the use of these devices and improving how they are maintained when they are needed, we can ensure we are doing all we can to reduce the risk of infection to the patient.”
A catheter is a small tube often inserted into a patient’s bladder to relieve them of urine following an operation or during an illness. A cannula is inserted into the vein to allow intravenous medicines and fluids to be given.
Both devices perform an important role, but carry a risk of infection which can result in complications for the patient and a prolonged stay in hospital.
Urinary tract infections are one of the most common causes of healthcare associated infections in Wales and the use of catheters increase their risk.
Cannulas can allow bacteria directly into the bloodstream although the incidence of infections is low.
S.T.O.P. will ask staff to consider firstly if the device is needed. If the answer is yes, then it must only be inserted by trained personnel and fastidious care taken each and every time to diminish the risk of infection.
The campaign is a key area of work for 1000 Lives Plus, the national programme supporting organisations and individuals to deliver the highest quality and safest healthcare for the people of Wales.
Posters distributed across health organisations to raise awareness amongst staff feature catheter and cannula characters alongside a large STOP sign, with the question ‘Does your patient need us?’
[ Insert name of clinician ] said, “Reducing the risk of healthcare associated infections is a priority and this new campaign will ensure staff are aware that such devices are not always necessary.
“If we reduce the risk of infection then we avoid complications, reducing the length of time patients are in hospital and the number of readmissions.
“It ensures the care we deliver is as good as it can be and allows greater efficiency, enabling more patients to be treated.”
The S.T.O.P. campaign will build on the good work already in place across Wales to reduce healthcare associated infections in these areas.
Dr Eleri Davies, Director of the Welsh Healthcare Associated Infections Programme and 1000 Lives Plus Faculty Member, said, “This new focus will enable healthcare staff to stop and consider if the device is really needed.
“The message is simple and clear, yet it will make a real difference to the quality and safety of care delivered to the patient.
“Organisations are committed to winning the battle against healthcare associated infections and the S.T.O.P. campaign is supporting them to achieve this aim.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact [ Insert name of Communications Officer ] on [ Insert contact details ] or visit
Notes to editors
- [ Insert notes about your organisation ]
- 1000 Lives Plus is the national improvement programme supporting organisations and individuals to deliver the highest quality and safest healthcare for the people of Wales.
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