For many children, a hospital visit can be frightening, especially when it involves needles, blood tests, or cannulation. It could mean fear, tears, and sometimes multiple attempts to reach a vein for young people undergoing treatment at Stepping Hill Hospital.
Since January 2025, two AccuVein AV500 Vein Viewers have been in regular use on the Treehouse Children’s Unit, significantly improving the way care is delivered. These innovative devices use specialist light technology to map veins in real time, allowing staff to quickly identify the best site for cannulation. This means fewer attempts, less pain, and a calmer experience for children at what can be a very stressful moment.
Around 1,000 children each year now benefit directly from this technology. Procedures are faster and more accurate, reducing distress for young patients and helping families feel reassured that their child is receiving the best possible care. Parents have shared how relieved they feel seeing their children remain calmer and more confident during treatment, and many children now approach procedures with far less fear.
Staff on the ward describe the AccuVein Vein Viewers as invaluable. By improving first-attempt success rates and reducing anxiety, the devices support compassionate, child-centred care every day.
Caroline Stores, Health Play Specialist at Stepping Hill Children’s Unit, explains:
“The AccuVein Viewers have significantly improved patient experience by reducing pain and anxiety, thanks to the high success rate of first-attempt cannulation and clear identification of the best veins.”
This donation has had a truly transformative impact on day-to-day care. It has not only changed how children experience medical procedures, but has also empowered staff to work with greater confidence and efficiency, reducing delays and improving overall patient flow on the ward.
Most importantly, your generosity is helping thousands of children feel safer, braver and more supported during their hospital journey. This is a powerful example of how community support can create real change, turning moments of fear into moments of comfort and care.
