People having blood taken through the phlebotomy services provided by the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) are now benefiting from a more comfortable experience, thanks to the introduction of reusable tourniquets.
Phlebotomy supervisor Dawn Honour undertook research to support this change in the service, which as well as improving patient experience for the 16,000 people the team sees every month, reduces waste – a priority for the NHS – and provides a cost saving.
Since last month, the reusable tourniquets have been used by phlebotomists at the West Suffolk Hospital (WSH) in Bury St Edmunds, and are being rolled out to the phlebotomy services provided by WSFT in Sudbury, Newmarket and Mildenhall.
Dawn said: “I was at an appointment with my mother at another Trust and I saw a reusable tourniquet used to insert a cannula. I thought this was an excellent idea that we could introduce for our phlebotomy teams.
“The new tourniquets are made from silicone and can be used 10,000 times unlike the ones we had before which could only be used once and had to be discarded. After each patient they can be cleaned with antiseptic wipes and left to air-dry.
“They are highly anti-allergy and more comfortable for our patients, especially older and frail people who have thinner skin, or people with larger arms, as they are thicker and wider and are less likely to pinch the skin. I researched all the brands available, and these were the best option.
“This will have a big impact on the environment and will also save about £14,000 a year at the West Suffolk Hospital phlebotomy service alone, and we think about £20,000 across the Trust.”
Shan Barnes, phlebotomy manager, said: “This is all down to Dawn, it was her idea, and she made it happen. She could see this would be better for patients, and would be a great saving for the environment and the planet.”
Joanne King, haematology laboratory manager in the Trust’s pathology service, said: “Our phlebotomists are positive, friendly and kind, often dealing with people who need extra care, are nervous, or frail. They make such a difference. We have already had really good feedback from patients about the experience with the new tourniquets. All credit to Dawn and the team.”
Comments from patients included:
“They are definitely more comfortable than the others, I like these.”
“These will be so good for the environment and saving the NHS money as well. It is a bonus all round.”