Patients at Memorial Hospital of South Bend can now avoid repeated needle sticks during their hospital stay.
Memorial Hospital is using PIVOTM Pro technology from Becton, Dickinson and Company to provide a “One-Stick Patient Experience.” The hospital has expanded this technology beyond standard blood draws to include blood culture collections in the emergency room. This means most blood draws at Memorial Hospital are now performed through a needle-free system.
“Memorial Hospital is committed to putting patients first in everything we do,” said Lauren Nygaard, Memorial Hospital manager, in a press release.
The technology allows Memorial Hospital to use a patient's existing IV line for blood draws and blood culture collections. While patients still require an initial IV placement, this eliminates most additional needle sticks during their stay.
The system also benefits health care staff by reducing blood exposure and needlestick injuries. Nurses, nursing assistants and mental health technicians are trained to use it across patient care areas.
Blood draws are one of the most common hospital procedures, and more than half of Americans report some fear of needles. Patients have expressed relief and thankfulness for reduced discomfort. Health care staff report feeling better about the patient care they provide to patients. Beacon Health System serves patients across northern Indiana and southern Michigan. The health care network has over 1,000 physicians.
