The use of ultrasound guidance for vascular access has become widespread since NICE first recommended its use for central venous catheter placement in 20021. The use of ultrasound for this procedure opened the door for radiographers and other healthcare practitioners to establish and develop vascular-access services.
The Royal Brompton Hospital in London has had a radiographer-led vascular-access service since June 2013. The need for a dedicated service arose from a growing demand for midline catheters and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs)2 from the adult respiratory teams. The adult cardiac and adult intensive care teams quickly followed suit and referrals rose from 75 in 2012 to 480 in 20173.
At this point we were asked to extend the service to the paediatric teams, who now add approximately 150 referrals per year to the overall total. In 2019, there were 647 referrals...
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