The new, standardised ‘combined venepuncture and cannulation’ courses offer both skills within one, four-hour course. 

Learners are required to complete two eLearning packages prior to attending the combined venepuncture and cannulation course, BD and B. Braun, and will not be admitted to the face-to-face course if they are not completed.  Information and links will be sent out to learners via email prior to attending the course.

These combined courses are aimed at any professional that requires both clinical skills.  However, please note both skills are taught within 4 hours, if you feel you would benefit from a single skill course or only need to learn one skill please contact Kerry Laffan at NUH Education and request this on k.laffan@nhs.net

The courses consist of a theory-based presentation covering all the required topics including

• consent,
• anatomy & physiology
• indications & contraindications,
• diversity,
• hazards,
• complications,
• documentation.

A practical session will follow, during which learners practice on mannequin arms, allowing them to gain confidence and competence with each skill. 

Finally, every learner will be required to pass a summative assessment for each skill, using an approved, standardisation assessment tool before leaving the course.

Learners will then be required to undertake ten further assessments for each skill, in their own clinical area before being declared independently competent.