January 14th , 2018
CIPO Statement re: Winnipeg IV Nursing Cuts
The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) has recently eliminated Winnipeg Hospital’s vascular access team, which included roughly 15 nurses that specialized in IV insertion.
CIPO empathizes with our members and we do realize the importance of this role to immunodeficiency patients currently on IVIG, it is unfortunate that not all health authorities are able to maintain specialized IV nursing staff. There are freezing sprays and creams available in some facilities that may be an option for individuals to use prior to an IV being started.
For patients with venous access issues, there is an alternative method of treatment; subcutaneous
immunoglobulin (SubQ) infusions which have been developed for this purpose and have been very well
received by both patients and physicians.
Please contact your health care provider if you have any questions regarding your method of treatment.
While many changes continue to take place in healthcare, CIPO will continue to advocate for, and
support our members. If you have any questions or require further assistance in regards to these issues,
please feel free to contact CIPO directly on our toll free line 1(877)607-CIPO (2467) or email
info@cipo.ca