Catheter device that could save the NHS millions is recommended by NICE

A device that holds catheters in place and reduces infections could save the NHS up to £10 million a year, says the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

NICE is recommending the 3G Tegaderm CHG IV Securement Dressing, which is transparent to allow clinicians to see the insertion site clearly, for critically ill patients who need a central venous or arterial catheter in intensive care or high dependency units.

Director of the NICE centre for health technology evaluation, Carole Longson said: 'Bloodstream infections linked to central venous catheters increase patient illness and increase costs for intensive care units. For hospitals and units that have a moderate rate of baseline catheter-related bloodstream infection, this technology could save an estimated £73 per patient, instead of using a standard transparent semi-permeable dressing.

'This saving is not possible if hospitals already have very low rates of infection.  The use of 3M Tegaderm CHG could have a significant impact on catheter-related infections if it becomes standard practice in hospitals that are not able to achieve very low infection rates by other means.'