Information for parents/guardians
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This leaflet tells you how the medical team can access your baby’s blood vessels to give medication and treatment.
Why is access needed to my baby’s veins?
Access is needed to your baby’s veins to give nutrition (similar to an adult eating and drinking) until they are clinically stable (their health improves) and they can feed normally. The access can also be used to give medication.
Medication and fluids can be given through a cannula (a fine tube put into a vein in the back of someone’s hand/arm or foot/leg using a small needle).
However cannulas do not last very long and need to be replaced every few days. To try and keep your baby comfortable longer lines are preferred because they can be in place for a longer period.
What are arteries and veins?
Your baby has both arteries and veins.
Arteries carry blood with oxygen from the heart.
Veins carry blood with no oxygen back to the heart.
Newborn babies also have veins and arteries at their belly button where the umbilical cord was.
Central venous access
Central venous access can be obtained by inserting a catheter (a narrow flexible tube which allows fluid to pass into or out of the body) into one of the major veins either through belly button (Umbilical venous access) or through a smaller vein until it reaches a point where the vein is much larger. This is also known as a long line or a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC).
Umbilical Line
Long Line or PICC
What will happen during the procedure?
The Doctor or Nurse Practitioner will wear a sterile gown and gloves to minimise the risk of infection.
Your baby will be made as comfortable as possible and may be given pain relief during the procedure.
A catheter will then be inserted into the vein.
After the catheter is put in an X-ray will be taken to make sure the catheter is in the right place.
What are the risks and possible complications?
Complications are not common, but can include:
- Infection.
- Blockage/Clot formation.
- Leakage.
- Bleeding.
- Line not placed in the right position.
- Bowel perforation.
- Heart complications.
- Liver complications.
Highly trained staff will be present to monitor the lines and will manage and discuss any complications which may develop. If these lines are required your baby may be transferred to another hospital or department for further care. This will be discussed with you before it happens.
When will the line be removed?
The line will be removed when your baby:
- Is receiving all their nutrition from milk.
- No longer needs medication through venous access.
The line will also be removed if any complications arise.
Contact numbers
If you have any worries or concerns please feel free to ask the Doctor or Nurse who is looking after your baby.
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Special Care Baby Unit
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Telephone: 01642 382723
Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints
Patient Experience Team (PET)
We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:
Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]
Out of hours
Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617
Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience
We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:
Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]
Data protection and use of patient information
The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.
Telephone: 01642 383551
Email: [email protected]Privacy Notices
Leaflet feedback
This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:
Email: [email protected]
Leaflet Reference: PIL1010 version 2
Date for Review: February 2028