Health officials sternly warn medics against discharging patients with IV cannulas

Health workers in Luwero have been directed to cease the practice of discharging patients with intravenous (IV) cannulas inserted. Dr. Innocent Nkonwa, the District Health Officer, has labelled this habit as “unethical and unacceptable,” highlighting the potential dangers it poses to patients.

An IV cannula is a crucial medical device used to administer fluids, medications, or blood directly into a patient’s vein. While essential for inpatient treatment, it is meant to be removed once the course of intravenous therapy is complete and before a patient leaves the healthcare facility.

Dr. Nkonwa expressed concern that some healthcare providers are increasingly allowing patients to leave with cannulas still attached, forcing them to navigate daily life with the medical tubing. This practice, he warned, significantly increases the risk of infections, irritation, swelling, and pain at the insertion site. In severe cases, a dislodged cannula can lead to bleeding or tissue damage, and the potential for serious systemic infections, such as infective endocarditis, cannot be ignored.

He emphasized that patients who do not require hospital admission but still need continued intravenous treatment should be managed through alternative methods. The inability to afford extended hospital stays should not be a justification for discharging patients with cannulas still in situ.

Dr. Nkonwa asserted that healthcare professionals found to be violating this directive would be held personally accountable. He urged all medical staff to adhere to established medical protocols and to make patient safety their paramount concern during the discharge process.

However, some residents pointed to financial constraints as a contributing factor. Rose Namujju, a local resident, suggested that the cost of admission and continued monitoring sometimes leads patients to opt for leaving with cannulas, especially for non-critical conditions, to avoid further expenses.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/stop-discharging-patients-with-cannulas-medics-told