This article describes the development of a surveillance tool to monitor complications associated with Hickman and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines, which follows an apparent increase in central venous catheter infections within the oncology department of a district general hospital. The tool was devised in association with the regional group for central venous catheters. Implementing such a tool creates a live surveillance database of patients with Hickman and PICC lines, and helps reduce the incidence of complications – such as bloodstream infections – associated with catheter lines.