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Vascular Access
Director
Dr. Alan McShane
Consultant
Dr. Neil McDonald
The Vascular Access service has seen a continuing growth in activity over the last year. The main users of the service continue to be the oncology, haematology, renal medicine and cystic fibrosis services. However all other services avail of the service from to time.
Use of the ultrasound device, which was purchased in 2004, has increased dramatically. The trainees are often getting their first exposure to such equipment here and are enthusiastic beneficiaries. The usage and demands on the device mean that we will have to purchase more such devices in the near future.
Paradoxically, access to the operating room was easier this last year. This was due to the frequent difficulties in getting elective surgical patients into the hospital due to bed shortages. It is clear however that the need for dedicated theatre availability each day still persists.
The College of Anaesthetists again requested that Dr. McShane organise a Workshop to teach Vascular Access. Dr. McDonald was again on faculty. The workshop comprised didactic lecturers, video clips and anatomical specimens and hands-on exposure to and teaching of ultrasound use. It was attended both by doctors in training and Consultants.
The increasing interest of trainees in vascular access training suggests to us that we should be offering modular rotations in vascular access. This will need dedicated theatre facilities, as mentioned above.