Intravenous and vascular access services (IVAS)

A vascular access procedure involves the insertion of a flexible and sterile thin plastic tube, or catheter, into a blood vessel to provide an effective method of taking blood or delivering medications, blood products, or nutrition into a patient's bloodstream over a period of weeks, months or even years.

The intravenous and vascular access service (IVAS) is a cross site team providing a nurse led vascular access service which covers all departments and units of Frimley Health.

We place all vascular access devices including PICC, midline and ports and provide a service for difficult IV access patients, as well as training for IV therapy, venepuncture and cannulation.

We support the care and maintenance of vascular access devices and the IVAS lead nurse oversees the governance of all practice in the Trust related to IV therapy and vascular access.