Infection Prevention and Control Team Having a cannula Information for patients,
relatives and carers
This information sheet has been provided to help answer some of the questions you may have about having a cannula. How is the cannula cared for? The insertion site (where the cannula enters your skin) must be kept clean. Therefore, before inserting your cannula, the doctor/ nurse will clean his/ her hands and will also clean your skin. He/she will then place a transparent dressing over the cannula to keep the area clean. We will also regularly check your cannula site via the transparent dressing. What is a cannula? As part of your treatment, it has been necessary to place a cannula into one of your veins. A cannula is a flexible tube which is inserted into a blood vessel in the lower arm or hand. Before touching your catheter, your doctor/ nurse must first clean their hands. They will then clean the connector that is used to attach bags of medications or fluids to your cannula. Then before they administer your drugs or fluids they will use a small syringe of saline to flush the cannula and to check it is working. It acts as an entry into your bloodstream and may be needed for several reasons, such as to give you:  fluids (via a drip)  a blood transfusion  medications ‐ for example, pain relief, antibiotics and anti‐sickness drugs What can I do to help?  Tell your nurse if your cannula dressing is loose or soiled (dirty).  a general anaesthetic if you are having an operation.  Although the dressing is waterproof, please do not soak your affected arm in water, such as when you have a bath. How will my cannula be held in place?  If the dressing gets wet in the shower, carefully pat it dry (remember to inform staff if it is loose). Your nurse will be checking your cannula regularly, but please tell him/ her about any redness, pain or swelling that you notice at the cannula site. Your cannula will be fixed to your skin with a special transparent dressing, which will be changed if it becomes soiled or loose. There will also be a sticker on the dressing showing which date it was applied. Additional dressings such as bandages are not routinely used but if you have one, the nursing staff will remove it regularly to check your cannula site.  Please also let us know if you notice that your drips are empty, as you may need new fluid or your cannula may need flushing.  Empty drips increase the chance of your cannula blocking. If you are aware that your cannula has not been used for 24 hours, please inform staff as they may be able to remove it. 2
Please also tell your nurse if:  Your cannula becomes loose, disconnected or falls out If you have any queries or concerns about your condition, please do not hesitate to speak to the nurses and doctors looking after you.  The dressing or cap on your cannula becomes loose  You see any leakage of fluid or blood around the area of your cannula Infection Prevention and Control Team  You have any pain, swelling or redness at the site of your cannula. It is also important that you never tamper with or touch your cannula, as this can cause infection. 
Andover War Memorial Hospital Telephone: 01962 825156  Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital Telephone: 01256 486774 If you are being discharged from hospital and you still have a cannula, please inform your nurse. It can then be removed.  Royal Hampshire County Hospital Telephone: 01962 825156 www.hampshirehospitals.nhs.uk Infection Prevention and Control May, 2013 Review May, 2014 FCS/ 021/ 2013 © Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 3