https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/wards-and-departments/departments/clinical-support-services/vascular-access-facilitator-team/
Vascular Access Facilitator (VAF) team
If you would like this information in another language or format, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).
Who are the VAF team
The VAFs are a small specialist team consisting of four highly skilled Facilitators. VAFs provide support across Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) for patients who have veins which are difficult to access.
The team are supervised by the Lead Clinical Site Practitioners.
What the VAF team do
The main function of VAF is to support the medical teams with patients who have veins which are difficult to access. This could be directly at the point of admission or after the medical team have had two attempts, without success. The VAF are also supported by the anaesthetic team if further assistance is required. The VAFs work across all inpatient wards at GOSH.
Training is also an important element of the team’s role – each VAF is involved in supervising the practice of phlebotomy and cannulation competencies for clinical and medical staff across GOSH.
VAF service hours
The VAF service is available Monday to Friday, between 8am and 9pm.
Meet the VAF team
- Keri-Ann Ince
- Shelley Hall
- Dominic Quainoo
- Abigal Kusi
Information for healthcare professionals
The VAF team must be booked in advance.
Email: VAF2@gosh.nhs.uk
Or make and EPIC request.
For urgent requests, contact extension 0082.