Exploring how the development of a nurse-led vascular access service has benefited patients.

The management and care of patients in Greater Glasgow and Clyde needing long-term vascular access has changed markedly over the past six years. A nurse-led vascular access service has been introduced to reduce waiting times for patients requiring long-term venous access for treatments such as chemotherapy, long-term antibiotics, renal dialysis and feeding. Nurses in the service now insert tunnelled central venous catheters (TCVCs) and also educate and train other healthcare professionals. This service has led to a reduction in complications and provided a source of expert advice for both patients and healthcare professionals.