UHNM Charity funding has provided the Children’s Cancer Service with a new chest manikin, helping staff learn how to safely access the central lines used during a child’s cancer treatment.
Known as Chester Chest, the teaching device allows staff to practise accessing, flushing and drawing blood from central lines and portacaths.
Many children receiving chemotherapy have one of these devices fitted for the duration of their treatment. This reduces the need to repeatedly insert cannulas or needles when delivering medication or taking blood.
Julie Eaton, Children’s Cancer Nurse Specialist, said: “You can look at PowerPoint presentations, but you can’t get a feel for what it is like to draw blood back or flush a line.
“Chester Chest allows us to show staff what to do and gives them the chance to practise it for themselves during our study days.”
The team’s previous training manikin broke after being used regularly. Funding from UHNM Charity allowed the service to purchase a replacement that would not have been available through its usual NHS budget.
Julie added: “We couldn’t cope without the charity. We value the money that comes in because it all goes towards helping the children we treat.
“The equipment and other items funded by the charity help make their time in hospital feel a little more homely.”
Donations to UHNM Charity fund equipment, facilities and services that improve care and experiences for patients and their families across University Hospitals of North Midlands.
