These are now available for patients to wear in the theatre complex at Southmead Hospital to clearly indicate that they have a functioning fistula. Before their introduction, recovery staff felt there was no clear system for
identifying the at-risk/ fistula arm – especially when the patient is still under the influence of anaesthesia.
A patient questionnaire identified that only 50% of patients had felt confident that their arm would not be used for BP measurement or cannulation during the perioperative period. The wristbands are a simple but effective solution. Posters are in each of the 5 mediroom areas, with a bag of wristbands.
