Leaflet Details
| Title | Cannula Care - Patient Discharge |
| Department | Emergency Department |
| Author(s) | Emma McFarlane |
| Review Date | March 2026 |
| Next Review | March 2028 |
| Download | A4 Handout PDF |
| Accessibility Options | Click on the Recite Me button to show our accessibility resources |
Patient Information
What is it?
A cannula is a small flexible plastic tube sitting in a vein, it has been inserted under sterile conditions. It has a clear, plastic dressing to hold it in place & a bandage to protect it.
Why is it still there?
Sometimes patients need medications administered into their veins, but well enough be managed outside of hospital, so are discharged with the cannula in place.
How do I take care of it?
- Keep it dry & out of water.
- Keep it clean, avoid gardening or handling pets.
- It should be reviewed by a healthcare worker every 2 days.
- After it is removed, monitor the site yourself for a further 48hrs.
Complications
If you are concerned about your cannula, contact the team looking after you within working hours. This is likely to be SDEC, Willow ward or OHPAT. Out of hours please call 111.
The team would like to know if you develop any of the following:
- Pain or stinging around the cannula site.
- Swelling heat or redness around the cannula site & especially if spreading.
- Fluid or blood leaking from the cannula site.
What if it comes out?
- Stay calm
- Apply pressure using a clean cloth or kitchen towel, keep pressing until the bleeding stops. The canula can be placed in your general waste bin.
- If you cannot control the bleeding contact your care team, 111 or in severe cases 999.
