The Vascular Access Team is making a difference for both patients and care teams!
Since its launch two years ago, the team has performed over 1,300 peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) insertions and an equal number of midline catheters. Wait times have dropped from three to four days to an average of just 15–16 hours, enabling faster treatment and, in many cases, earlier discharge.
Team members receive specialized training in using technology to perform a medical intervention that was traditionally restricted to physicians. Ultrasound guidance technology helps to more safely and accurately insert different types of catheters to draw blood from patients, or inject fluids or medication needed for medical procedures.
In 2025–2026, infection rates associated with central vascular access, particularly PICC lines, have declined, according to Infection Prevention and Control.
Phase three is now underway, focusing on training unit nurses in ultrasound-guided IV insertion. This expertise is especially valuable for patients with difficult vascular access (DIVA), helping ensure timely and reliable IV access. So far, about 20 nurses have been trained, with the goal of expanding this service to benefit more patients across the network.
